The Kyrie Irving saga continues to roll, as the Cleveland Cavaliers are still searching for a landing spot for their disgruntled star point guard.
Many teams remain interested in Irving, but there have been lowball offers, which has urged Cleveland to stay patient.
The Phoenix Suns recently made an offer consisting of Eric Bledsoe, Dragan Bender, and a 2018 first-round pick via Miami. However, the Cavaliers are mostly interested in rookie Josh Jackson, who is off limits. The Suns can instead replace Bender with Marquese Chriss and T.J. Warren. NBA insider Sam Amico mentioned the Suns as one team that is very likely to acquire Irving eventually.
Cavaliers former GM adds another team to Kyrie’s wish list
However, former Cavaliers general manager, David Griffin, has mentioned another destination on Irving’s Preferred List – the Boston Celtics. Boston has shown interest in the four-time All-Star and would offer Isaiah Thomas for him, but there haven’t been any talks between the two sides just yet.
Irving’s list of other four teams
Irving’s list initially consisted of the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat. None of those teams have made a serious play for Irving yet.
The Timberwolves may fall out of contention once Andrew Wiggins signs his five-year, $150 million extension, while the Knicks are losing traction since Carmelo Anthony is no longer interested in waiving his no-trade clause for Cleveland.
The Spurs haven’t held talks with the Cavaliers, and the Heat shot down rumors that suggested an offer of Goran Dragic and Justise Winslow.
“I think Kyrie’s going to end up being traded” — former Cavaliers GM David Griffin on The Jump.
— Ben Rohrbach (@brohrbach) August 7, 2017
More Kyrie Irving suitors
On the latest Amico podcast, Sam Amico mentions the Sacramento Kings as a potential landing spot.
Another serious suitor for Kyrie is the Denver Nuggets, but they must be willing to part ways with Gary Harris or Jamal Murray.
The asking price has remained the same for Cleveland. They want an established starter, a player on a rookie scale contract, and a first-round pick.
According to Amico, the Irving saga may last all the way up to training camp, which is late September.
The Cavaliers are having troubles finding suitable deals because Irving won’t commit long term to any team that trades for him.
However, keeping a discontented superstar on a championship caliber team is not ideal. Irving’s desire to leave LeBron James and the Cavaliers would haunt Cleveland for the entire season, ultimately destroying their team chemistry.