Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving has added another episode to his trade saga as he now prefers to the shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers. While speaking to Alex Kennedy on the Hoopshype Podcast, sports columnist Peter Vecsey of Patreon.com reported that Irving wants to be traded to the Clippers, saying the point guard loves Los Angeles, where he works out during the summer. Vecsey said the Clippers currently don’t have the assets to pull off a trade for Irving, but he believes that consultant Jerry West will find a way to acquire the All-Star point guard, just like what he did when the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant on Draft Day.
Clippers loaded with guards
The Clippers recently traded veteran point guard Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets for Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and Sam Dekker. As of now, the Clippers are loaded with guards with Beverley, European playmaker Milos Teodosic, Lou Williams and Austin Rivers. In addition, Teodosic and Danilo Gallinari, who both signed as free agents this offseason, cannot be traded until December 15.
According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Clippers have tried to work out a trade with the Cavaliers for Irving on July 28. However, he did not discuss the players involved in the negotiations. On July 7, Irving met with Cavs team owner Dan Gilbert and asked for a trade.
The Clippers were not among the four teams he mentioned -- the Santonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks -- as possible trade destinations.
If the Clippers acquire Irving and LeBron James joins the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, it will renew the rivalry between the two franchises. It was reported that James will bolt Cleveland and join the Lakers to form a tandem with Paul George.
Cavaliers still contemplating on trading Irving
Around 20 teams have expressed interest in Irving with the Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs making offers for the All-Star point guard. However, the Cavaliers are thinking twice about trading Irving because they have yet to receive the right offer that will fill his output and contribution to the team.
Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report said the Cavaliers are now trying to mend fences with Irving to keep him for the duration of his contract. Irving is under contract with the team for two more years with a player option for the 2019-20 season.
