Earlier this month, the biggest leak this side of the White House happened when Brian Windhorst reported that Kyrie Irving wanted to be traded from the reigning Eastern Conference Champion, Cleveland Cavaliers.
Irving’s summer of discontent sent shockwaves around the NBA.
Kyrie Irving requests a trade from Cavs, sources told ESPN. LeBron James was blindsided and is disappointed: https://t.co/54afvYge9V
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 21, 2017
One major tremor made its way northwest to Target Center. Shockingly, the four-time All-Star point guard included the Minnesota Timberwolves on his list of preferred destinations.
Since 1989, no star of Irving’s stature has ever uttered such a desire.
On the contrary, Minnesota has had several players — from Stephon Marbury to Kevin Love — want out. The Wolves have tried to make it work with others — Kevin Garnett and Ricky Rubio — who wanted to stay but could never get the right pieces around them.
Now, the team has two youngsters in line for five-year maximum extensions in Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, another member of great Eastern Conference exodus in Jimmy Butler, and, finally, a potential marriage with Irving as well.
Uncle Drew to the Wolves?! Thomas Friedman was right: the world is, indeed, flat.
Regardless of what happens, it’s clear the Timberwolves are finally gaining some respect around the league.
With Tom Thibodeau at the helm, a trio of young stars on the court, building renovations happening this summer, and a new logo and uniforms coming out soon; the Wolves brand is as strong as it’s been since Kevin Garnett led Minnesota to the 2004 Western Conference Finals.
For now, Wolves’ fans can rejoice in the simple fact that Minnesota is not the laughing stock of the league.
Let’s get back to the potential trade.
With all of hoopla surrounding this rumor, one thing is becoming clear for Minnesota. No Wiggins, no Irving. As it stands right now, the Wolves have made an offer to Cleveland, according to the Wizard of the Web, Adrian Wojnarowski. It’s unknown whether Maple Jordan was included in this offer, but we can surmise that he probably wasn’t.
For one, if he was and Cleveland said no, that might’ve been leaked by the same source. And two, Cleveland most likely agrees to a Wiggins’ offer if and when it happens.
If Minnesota has yet to offer Andrew Wiggins, who apparently is still in max-contract negotiations with the team, they should. And should quickly.
Here are the top five reasons why the Timberwolves need to acquire Kyrie Irving.