The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and the Phoenix Suns are working on a three-team trade that would send Kyrie Irving to the Big Apple and Kevin Love to the Suns. According to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo! Sports, the three teams started negotiations one day after reports surfaced that Irving was demanding a trade from the Cavaliers. Schultz said while the Knicks and Cavaliers are talking about a direct trade, the Suns could be involved too.
If the trade pushes through, Cleveland will get Carmelo Anthony and Eric Bledsoe, New York would acquire Irving and Tyson Chandler, while Phoenix would land Love and rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina.
The Cavs and Suns will also receive future picks.
Irving doesn’t want to play with James anymore
Earlier, Irving surprised everyone when reports surfaced that he asked the Cavaliers to trade him so he can become the focal point of a team’s offense and not play second fiddle to LeBron James. Irving picked the San Antonio Spurs, Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Miami Heat as possible trade destinations.
According to sources close to James, he was blindsided by Irving’s decision but the superstar will not interfere in any move that the Cavaliers make involving his backcourt partner. Sources said James will continue his offseason training regimen before he reports to training camp. He is also ready to play no matter who his teammates are in the coming season.
Anthony determined to be traded to Rockets
However, Anthony is determined to be traded to the Rockets and not the Cleveland Cavaliers despite reports connecting him to a swap involving Irving. According to Frank Isola of New York Daily News, sources close to Anthony said the 10-time All-Star is focused on joining Chris Paul and James Harden with the Rockets.
Isola said Anthony is aware that he would be joining a Cavs squad without Irving and reports have it that LeBron will leave next July. This will leave Anthony with Love, JR Smith, and Iman Shumpert as teammates if he chooses to opt out of the final year of his contract.
The Knicks reportedly offered Anthony and several No. 1 picks to the Cavaliers for Irving, who will provide New York’s backcourt with an instant upgrade.
The Knicks can also offer Kristaps Porzingis which is sure to get Cleveland’s attention, which would leave the Knicks to build around Kyrie and try to land a second and third star to play alongside him.
