The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to likely trade Kyrie Irving according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. In the way too soon prediction of Irving’s landing spot, we take a look at the following teams as teams that have pieces to offer to make Cleveland competitive. LeBron James has been reported to saying he will not waive his no-trade clause at any time this season, which means that Cavaliers need to maximize the value they receive.
Trade Irving to Charlotte for Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum
This might be the best trade scenario for the Cavaliers.
They get a very underrated point guard that has All Star potential. He can score and distribute the ball. He wouldn’t mind playing a backseat to James either given the little postseason success he has had in Charlotte.
Batum could be the missing link for the Cavaliers in beating the Warriors. Batum is long and athletic and has experience guarding Kevin Durant. The Cavaliers showed they had no answer for the NBA Finals MVP. Batum guarded Durant during his days with the Portland Trail Blazers. This trade would make both people happy as Irving would be the best player on that team.
Trade Irving/Iman Shumpert to Knicks for Carmelo Anthony
Everyone wins in this scenario. The Knicks get the point guard that they have been searching for.
The Cavaliers get a premier scorer. Anthony has said that he would waive his no-trade clause for the Cavaliers. All the Cavaliers would have to do next is convince Dwyane Wade to join them to complete a dynamic trio.
Trade Irving/Shumpert to Pelicans for Jrue Holiday/two draft picks
The Cavaliers might see the writing on the wall with James leaving after this season.
Maybe, they realize that they won’t have enough to compete, so they look towards their future. Holliday just signed a five-year contract this offseason. The move would allow Irving to pair up with DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. They would also send another player to compete in the heavy loaded western conference.
Trade Irving to Heat for Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow
The Heat was one of the preferred destinations laid out by Irving in his trade demand. Any move that involves The Heat will have to involve Dragic, or the Heat buying him out. With maximizing value, the Heat do not want to spend extra money when they don’t have to, given that there are three years left on his contract. The Cavaliers wouldn’t completely lose the trade as Dragic can play up to All Star potential at times.
