All-star Kyrie Irving reportedly wants to leave Cleveland. The question is… how will this all unravel?
In the past few hours, Kyrie Irving stated in a meeting last week that he wants to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Why would anyone want to leave a Finals team, and play alongside one of the greatest in LeBron James? Irving says it’s because “he wants to play in a situation where he can be more of a focal point and that he no longer wants to play alongside LeBron James, sources said.” (Brian Windhorst ESPN).
Later it was noted that if he were to leave Ohio, he would prefer to play for the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
ESPN Sources: On Kyrie Irving front, Cavs were given four preferred landing spots: New York, Miami, San Antonio, Minnesota.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 21, 2017
First off, it’s truly a crazy feeling to hear an all-star say “Minnesota is one of my preferred destinations”. It just has never happened in nearly a decade in a half.
Irving would need to be traded by Cleveland in order to leave. They won’t waive him and create a buy-out – not for an all-star. So in order for Uncle Drew to be a part of the Wolves he would have to be traded.
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What this may entail for the Wolves could be out of their range. More than likely (assuming Karl-Anthon Towns is off-limits) they would want Andrew Wiggins and another piece in the trade.
Newly signed free agent Jeff Teague isn’t available for trade until December 15. So unless the team waits until December to deal the point guard – it seems likely that Minnesota would have to give up too many important pieces.
I don’t see them giving up Wiggins and another valuable piece. It would not be an ideal trade for Minnesota. Don’t get me wrong, seeing Kyrie break ankles in a Wolves jersey would be sweet, but it’s not the best option. Wiggins is too valuable – with so much potential to blossom into an even bigger star.
Not to mention Kyrie doesn’t pass for a point guard, or understand the definition of “defense”. If Minnesota was able to find a way to get Kyrie without dealing KAT, Wiggins and Butler then, by all means, make this trade happen.
I mean how could you not want to see this next year:
Irving just 25, averaged – 25.2 points per game, 5.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and shot 40 percent from three.
This is what others are saying around the league:
Kyrie Irving to Minnesota would be incredible but I can't imagine this happening
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) July 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/Taylorjowens23/status/888503265113108480
It seems as if the majority of people like the idea of Kyrie Irving going to Minny. But, the majority wouldn’t favor the trade if it meant getting rid of Wiggins. I too agree that it’s not worth giving up Andrew, but it would be sweet to see this trade happen.
Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 best lineups
Stay tuned Wolves fans. The future is surely bright.