The Detroit Pistons have emerged as the latest suitors for the services of Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving, according to the Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis. The Cavaliers are in no rush to deal their star. Irving has reportedly asked Cavaliers management for a trade with hopes of stepping out of LeBron James' shadow and leading a different franchise to success, and that could be the Pistons if they are ultimately able to meet the Cavs' high asking price.
Pistons talking with Cavaliers
Ellis reports that sources close to the Pistons' front office have informed him that the Pistons have had talks with the Cavaliers involving Kyrie Irving and Reggie Jackson.
Ellis also noted that Stan Van Gundy, Pistons' coach and president, told the team's website that they had had “some level of conversation” with the Cavaliers.
Three-way deal involving Clippers?
The Pistons will have a difficult time coming up with an enticing offer. Ellis suggested a three-team deal that was initially proposed by ESPN. In this deal, the Cavs would send Irving and Tristan Thompson to the Pistons, the Los Angeles Clippers would receive Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson, and a future first-round pick, and the Cavaliers would get DeAndre Jordan and Reggie Jackson.
This potential deal would bring Irving to Detroit, but it seems improbable that the Cavaliers would take merely Jordan and Jackson in return.
The Cavaliers are hopeful they can get a young star who they can build around should James decide to leave next summer.
Could Cavs accept such an offer?
The Pistons are ready to move on from Jackson, who has not been able to live up to the team's expectations. They might also be ready to deal the closest thing to an All-Star player in Drummond.
He is their most valuable asset and their only hope of striking a deal that can allow them to get quality players that they can rebuild around. Irving would surely revitalize a dormant franchise.
The Clippers would be replacing Jordan with Drummond. That would mean that they would be giving up defense in favor of more offense.
The first-round pick is also valuable. After losing Chris Paul, the Clippers certainly need to shake things up.
The Cavaliers would not get better with such a deal. While Jordan can certainly defend, they would not be able to build around him. In addition, Jackson has proven that he is not a reliable starting point guard.
The Cavs believe that they can get much better offers with time. Irving certainly has a lot of value, but what can't be denied is that his value dropped once his trade request went public. How long can the Cavs wait before training camp arrives and James faces Irving again?
