It looks like the Minnesota Timberwolves are moving on from Kyrie Irving according to a tweet from Darren Wolfson of KSTP-TV. The Cleveland Cavaliers guard listed the Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks as his preferred destinations to be traded. However, reports have surfaced that Andrew Wiggins would have to be part of the trade for Irving. The Timberwolves are not going to give up Wiggins in the deal, so we can cross out one team off the list.
Wiggins too valuable
Wiggins averaged a career high in points per game this season at 23.6.
He was the former No. 1 overall pick in the draft by the Cavaliers, who was sent to Minnesota in a trade that brought Kevin Love to Cleveland. Wiggins is entering a contract year and has been reported saying he is worth nothing less than the maximum contract. Irving would have had two years left on his contract.
According to the report, it would take more than just Wiggins to receive Irving. The Timberwolves are okay with staying pat with their own "big three" of Wiggins, Jimmy Butler, and Karl Anthony-Towns. The team is looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2004. On paper, they have a very good shot despite the western conference being so loaded.
Knicks now front runners
With the choices being the Spurs, Heat, or Knicks, New York is now the overwhelming favorite to land Irving.
The four time All Star is from the New York area and played high school basketball in New Jersey. He has been reported to saying he wants to return home. The Knicks have Carmelo Anthony on the trade block, and it would seem those two would be part of a super trade.
Anthony has said that he would waive his no-trade clause for the Cavaliers, or the Rockets.
Despite reports saying that Anthony is worried about LeBron James leaving after this year, the two are very close. A team of James, Love, and Anthony would certainly be considered the best team in the east despite the offseason moves by the Boston Celtics.
The Knicks want a point guard to pair with Kristaps Porzingis. Irving has also said that he wants an offense to flow through him.
He wants to run the show. In New York, it's unknown how the two would coincide, but he would receive the opportunity he desires. The Knicks have a legitimate shot to acquire Irving. The Heat do not have enough to contend in the east. The Spurs do not have the cap space to afford Irving. All signs are pointing a homecoming for Irving.
