Minnesota Timberwolves stars Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns are recruiting Kyrie Irving to join forces and form their own “Big Three.” According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Butler and Towns approached the Wolves management and told them to work out a trade for the Cleveland Cavaliers star. The Timberwolves are one of four preferred trade destinations given by Irving to the Cavaliers front office during their meeting, where he expressed his desire to be traded and become a focal point of a team’s offense. The other three are the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs.
Windhorst said Irving and Bulter became good friends during their time with USA Basketball. Earlier, Irving expressed interest to be traded to Chicago Bulls to join Bulter but the latter was traded to the Timberwolves on Draft Day. Any trade between the Cavaliers and the Timberwolves will involve veteran point guard Jeff Teague, who signed a three-year deal worth $57 million in the offseason. The problem is, Teague can’t be traded until December 15. The addition of Butler and a trade for Irving will make the Timberwolves a force to reckon with in the Western Conference. However, the lack of tradable pieces that the Wolves can send to the Cavaliers might doom their pursuit of Irving.
Knicks also pursuing Irving
It was also reported that the Knicks are discussing with the Cavaliers a possible swap involving Carmelo Anthony and Irving. Under the deal, the Cavs will ship Irving to the Knicks for Anthony and future draft picks. However, the Cavs may want additional assets so a third team might be involved.
Jordan Schultz of Yahoo!
Sports reported that the Knicks and Cavs tapped the Phoenix Suns to become that third team. Under the deal that they are ironing out, the Cavaliers will Anthony and Suns guard Eric Bledsoe, the Knicks would get Irving and Suns big man Tyson Chandler while the Suns will get Cleveland power forward Kevin Love and rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina.
In addition, the Cavs and Suns will receive future picks.
Spurs also interested in landing Irving
If he really wants to become the focal point of a team’s offense, the Spurs could be the one for Irving. Spurs starting point guard Tony Parker is currently recovering from a serious quad injury and Irving could eventually take his place. The Spurs can offer the Cavaliers disgruntled power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, Danny Green and young playmaker Dejounte Murray to the Cavs for Irving.
