Kyrie Irving made news recently by telling the Cavaliers that he wanted out of Cleveland. His four preferred destinations are the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat. With this report surfacing, which team has the biggest chance of reeling in Irving?
Knicks make the most sense
The Knicks are looking for a point guard given that Derrick Rose is likely to not return to the team. The Knicks also want to get younger and more athletic, which is the main reason for their attempts to move Carmelo Anthony. Having Anthony on the team gives this trade a lot of life.
Anthony is 34-years-old and has been reported to telling the Knicks that he will only waive his no-trade clause for the Cavaliers and Houston Rockets.
Given that Houston has had problems finding a third team to complete a trade due to Ryan Anderson’s contract, a Cavaliers-Knicks trade could start to heat up soon. Portland wants Anthony to tell the Knicks that he will take them off his list of teams he would veto a trade for. If this continues, then the Knicks could try and get Irving. They would have to take on Iman Shumpert’s contract as well.
Timberwolves would be contenders
It seems impossible that the Timberwolves would somehow keep Andrew Wiggins, Jimmy Butler, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Irving on the same team.
The Cavaliers would surely ask for at least Wiggins or Anthony-Towns in exchange. However, in a perfect world where Irving does join the trio, the Timberwolves would be able to compete with the Spurs and Rockets. Tom Thibodeau has already brought in Butler this offseason. Can he bring in Irving too?
Irving would be the man in Miami
Irving has been reported saying he wants to run the show offensively. In Miami, he would be that guy. The Cavaliers would likely have to take on the contract of Goran Dragic. This would not be completely terrible for the Cavaliers. Dragic has three years left on his deal and would replace Irving in his position.
Spurs make no sense
If Irving wants to be the face of the franchise, then he would have to take a back seat to Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio. The superstar is the face of the Spurs. A trio of Irving, Leonard, and LaMarcus Aldridge would be lethal in the jam packed western conference. The movement of pieces to accommodate to Irving’s salary would be tricky. If Irving were to go to the Spurs, his reasoning wouldn’t be his offensive motives. It would be that he is tired of taking a backseat to LeBron James.
