Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the NBA's hottest topic. Ever since it was reported that Kyrie Irving wants to be traded from Cleveland, many NBA teams have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Irving. Kyrie himself named the Timberwolves, the Knicks, the Spurs and the Miami Heat as his preferred destinations if he gets traded, but it seems like there are other teams that could land the All-Star point guard. According to ESPN, over 20 NBA teams have already contacted the Cavs about Irving and it seems inevitable that Kyrie will leave Cleveland.
It was reported earlier this week that one other Western Conference team, not named the Phoenix Suns, has emerged as the frontrunner to land Irving this summer.
Irving headed to Los Angeles?
According to veteran NBA reporter, Peter Vecsey, Kyrie Irving would like to play in Los Angeles for the Los Angeles Clippers. Vecsey appeared as a guest on the HoopsHype podcast with Alex Kennedy and said that he has been told that Kyrie Irving's preference is the Clippers. "He loves L.A. and he has been working out there a lot this summer. Do they have the assets to get him? I don't see how." said Peter Vecsey. It was reported earlier this summer that the Clippers made an effort to get Irving, but no official deal has been made yet.
Doc Rivers' squad has already made some significant roster changes this summer as they parted ways with Chris Paul. Paul was traded to the Houston Rockets, and the Clippers received Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell in return. The Clippers still have the powerful frontcourt duo of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, and adding Kyrie Irving would definitely be a huge upgrade.
What would the Cavs get in return?
It is hard to expect that this deal goes through but if indeed it gets done, the Cavaliers would definitely look to get some valuable players in return. One player that instantly comes to mind is DeAndre Jordan. Since it is hard to believe that the Clippers would send Blake Griffin in exchange for Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers would obviously want to get Jordan.
He has two more years and $47 million left on his current contract with the Clippers but has the right to opt out of the final year of the deal. DeAndre played great last season as he averaged 12.7 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He is regarded as one of the best centers in today's NBA, especially on the defensive end of the court. Other than Jordan, the Cavaliers would most likely want to include Patrick Beverley in this potential deal. Kyrie Irving for DeAndre Jordan and Patrick Beverley? We'll see what happens.