Five best Kyrie Irving trades we'd like to see Cleveland Cavaliers make
Five best Kyrie Irving trades we'd like to see Cleveland Cavaliers make
by on 2017-07-27 23:06:00 UTC (original: http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...ie-irving-trades-see-cleveland-cavaliers-make)
What Kyrie Irving trades would make the Cleveland Cavaliers better, and where should the star point guard land?
With Irving making a reported trade request earlier this month, our NBA Insiders present five deals that work, featuring seven teams and six All-Stars.
Destination: LA Clippers
Clippers get: Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson and a future Pistons first-round pick
Pistons get: Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson
Cavaliers get: DeAndre Jordan and Reggie Jackson
View in ESPN's Trade Machine
Jeremias Engelmann: Any trade the Cavaliers do would have to include a point guard going to Cleveland. While Reggie Jackson is quite a downgrade from Irving, the Cavaliers would get a significant upgrade at center by replacing Tristan Thompson with DeAndre Jordan. Jordan is one of the best centers in the game and would give the Cavaliers a much-needed rim-protector.
With Chris Paul gone, the Clippers' future isn't exactly clear. Considering the strength of the West, they might actually drop out of the playoffs, potentially leading Jordan to test out free agency in the summer of 2018. In Drummond they'd essentially get a younger version of Jordan -- with a longer contract. Stanley Johnson wasn't great in his first two NBA seasons, but at age 21 there is still some hope that the former No. 8 pick can turn things around. Additionally, the Clippers would receive a future first-rounder from Detroit, signifying that the Clippers are building for the future.
Detroit disappointed last season with only 37 wins. Some of that was attributed to bad team chemistry. Jackson, supposedly a culprit, would be shipped out while Detroit would get a superstar in Irving. Thompson could fill the void created by Drummond's departure and Kyrie would get his wish of being the clear No. 1 option.
Destination: Phoenix Suns
Suns get: Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert and Richard Jefferson
Cavaliers get: Eric Bledsoe, TJ Warren, Jared Dudley, Miami's 2021 unprotected first-round pick and first-round swap rights with Phoenix in 2018 (protected for picks Nos. 1-6; converts to second-rounders in 2018 and 2019 if not conveyed)
View in ESPN's Trade Machine
Bobby Marks: Cleveland is built to win now but also has to consider a possible rebuild in 2018 if LeBron James leaves. This deal should accomplish their goals (and get Irving out of the East): Bledsoe is a starting point guard in the his mid 20s, Warren's contract is controllable since he hits restricted free agency next summer, Dudley brings a veteran presence and the Cavs could use the extra draft picks.
Unlike in 2010 when James left for Miami, Cleveland would be well positioned for the 2018-19 season. A core of Bledsoe, Warren, Dudley, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and JR Smith would be good enough to compete for a playoff spot. This would also drop the Cavs' luxury tax commitment from $78.4 million to $59.6 million.
Suns GM Ryan McDonough would need to figure out if Irving is willing to commit long-term before using significant assets to acquire the PG. To find that answer, Phoenix has to have a conversation with Irving's agent, Jeff Wechsler. The Cavs could also give the Suns permission to meet with Irving. Although Irving is under contract, the Suns would use the meeting similar to a free agent visit to sell the All-Star on the benefits of playing in Phoenix. For two years the Suns would need to treat Irving as a free agent under contract and use the next 24 months to recruitment him in-house.
Pairing Irving with rising star Devin Booker would give the Suns a formidable duo. Iman Shumpert would replace Jared Dudley and Richard Jefferson would return home. In 2019 when Irving and Booker are free agents, Phoenix could have $30 million in cap space to land an impact free agent and also bring back its backcourt.
Destination: Phoenix Suns (with help from the Knicks)
Suns get: Kyrie Irving, Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Willy Hernangomez
Knicks get: Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert
Cavaliers get: Carmelo Anthony, Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley
View in ESPN's Trade Machine
Tom Haberstroh: Let's kill two birds with one stone, shall we? LeBron gets his man Carmelo Anthony while also arming himself with a pair of two-way players in Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley. Bledsoe can defend both guard positions and Dudley unlocks some much-needed versatility on the other end.
Above all else, the Cavs need a defensive upgrade and this deal would achieve that for a team that ranked 29th in defensive efficiency after the All-Star break. Even more, Anthony's presence could also entice James to re-sign with his pal in Cleveland rather than bolt for greener pastures.
The Knicks would do this deal to get a fresh start in the post-Melo world while not having to give up Kristaps Porzingis. Phoenix gets a star to replace Bledsoe and a promising young stud in Hernangomez. Devin Booker and Irving would rival Portland, Golden State and Washington as the top scoring backcourt in the league. While I like a straight-up deal of Kyrie Irving for Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley, this trade would also bring a welcome conclusion to the MeloDrama in New York.
Destination: Minnesota Timberwolves (in December)
Minnesota gets: Kyrie Irving and JR Smith
Cleveland Cavaliers get: Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins
Note: Teague can be traded on Dec. 15.
Kevin Pelton: Of the teams on Irving's list of preferred to destinations, as reported by ESPN's Chris Haynes, the Timberwolves have the best shot at offering the Cavaliers reasonable return for Smith.
Story
• Gilbert expects Kyrie at training camp
• 5-on-5: Who's to blame in Cleveland?
• Is Kyrie following Kobe Bryant's lead?
• Lowe: Which Kyrie trade will happen?
• Inside the Cavs' weeks of dysfunction
• Vote: Smart for Kyrie to want out?
• Kyrie's request isn't a betrayal of LeBron
• Sources: LeBron hands-off in Irving call
• Pelton: Can Cavs win a Kyrie trade?
As a former No. 1 overall pick who's proven a high scorer at a young age, Wiggins plausibly has about as much trade value as Irving. And, if Cleveland is willing to hold out until Teague can be traded on December 15, Minnesota could offer a solid starting point guard as well.
Given Minnesota's limited depth on the perimeter, a trade is workable only if the Timberwolves are getting Smith too, meaning the two teams functionally swap backcourts and the Cavaliers cut their luxury-tax bill substantially. Minnesota would upgrade its shooting at both guard spots, save some money after the season (presuming Wiggins will be maxed out on his next contract) and not get dramatically older.
Given my skepticism of Wiggins' ability to become an above-average defender or efficient scorer, I'd make this deal as the Timberwolves. And if Cleveland views Wiggins as a budding star on the wing with the size and athleticism to develop into a stopper -- and remember, the Cavaliers drafted him No. 1 just three years ago -- they might see this as their best option too.
Destination: Utah Jazz (in January)
Jazz get: Kyrie Irving and Edy Tavares
Cavaliers get: Dante Exum, Joe Ingles and Donovan Mitchell
Scraped at insider2text.xyz, brought to you by HeheStreams — No ads, No Bullshit Live & On-Demand NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL Streaming
Note: Ingles can't be traded until mid-January.
Chris Herring: If the Cavs can't find the right trade before the season starts, this one would be appealing before the deadline.
The deal would be risky for the Jazz, who would be giving up a starter and two potential rotation players; one of whom is a rookie coming off an impressive summer league showing. Beyond that, Utah already has a point guard in Ricky Rubio, limiting the need for another floor general. But without Gordon Hayward, the Jazz could desperately use another young, 1-on-1 scoring option. Unlike most teams that wouldn't have the defensive strength to make up for Irving's shortcomings on that end, Utah -- with Rudy Gobert as a backstop -- might have the most fearsome rim protector in the NBA.
The move would likely require the Jazz to take a page out of Houston's book and start two point guards. Offensively, the two of them could likely coexist seamlessly (and Irving would be the unquestioned No. 1 option, since Gobert doesn't require a ton of touches). Where Irving can put on lengthy dribbling displays that stagnate the offense, Rubio moves the ball. Where Rubio struggles to shoot, Irving is one of the best marksmen in the league.
On the other hand, Cleveland gets a mix of both young and veteran players, both to help LeBron contend this coming season and to prepare for the possibility that he may leave. This deal, which might also take a first-round pick from Utah to complete, would accomplish both those things, all while improving the club's defense considerably.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Five best Kyrie Irving trades we'd like to see Cleveland Cavaliers make
by on 2017-07-27 23:06:00 UTC (original: http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/sto...ie-irving-trades-see-cleveland-cavaliers-make)
What Kyrie Irving trades would make the Cleveland Cavaliers better, and where should the star point guard land?
With Irving making a reported trade request earlier this month, our NBA Insiders present five deals that work, featuring seven teams and six All-Stars.
Destination: LA Clippers
Clippers get: Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson and a future Pistons first-round pick
Pistons get: Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson
Cavaliers get: DeAndre Jordan and Reggie Jackson
View in ESPN's Trade Machine
Jeremias Engelmann: Any trade the Cavaliers do would have to include a point guard going to Cleveland. While Reggie Jackson is quite a downgrade from Irving, the Cavaliers would get a significant upgrade at center by replacing Tristan Thompson with DeAndre Jordan. Jordan is one of the best centers in the game and would give the Cavaliers a much-needed rim-protector.
With Chris Paul gone, the Clippers' future isn't exactly clear. Considering the strength of the West, they might actually drop out of the playoffs, potentially leading Jordan to test out free agency in the summer of 2018. In Drummond they'd essentially get a younger version of Jordan -- with a longer contract. Stanley Johnson wasn't great in his first two NBA seasons, but at age 21 there is still some hope that the former No. 8 pick can turn things around. Additionally, the Clippers would receive a future first-rounder from Detroit, signifying that the Clippers are building for the future.
Detroit disappointed last season with only 37 wins. Some of that was attributed to bad team chemistry. Jackson, supposedly a culprit, would be shipped out while Detroit would get a superstar in Irving. Thompson could fill the void created by Drummond's departure and Kyrie would get his wish of being the clear No. 1 option.
Destination: Phoenix Suns
Suns get: Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert and Richard Jefferson
Cavaliers get: Eric Bledsoe, TJ Warren, Jared Dudley, Miami's 2021 unprotected first-round pick and first-round swap rights with Phoenix in 2018 (protected for picks Nos. 1-6; converts to second-rounders in 2018 and 2019 if not conveyed)
View in ESPN's Trade Machine
Bobby Marks: Cleveland is built to win now but also has to consider a possible rebuild in 2018 if LeBron James leaves. This deal should accomplish their goals (and get Irving out of the East): Bledsoe is a starting point guard in the his mid 20s, Warren's contract is controllable since he hits restricted free agency next summer, Dudley brings a veteran presence and the Cavs could use the extra draft picks.
Unlike in 2010 when James left for Miami, Cleveland would be well positioned for the 2018-19 season. A core of Bledsoe, Warren, Dudley, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and JR Smith would be good enough to compete for a playoff spot. This would also drop the Cavs' luxury tax commitment from $78.4 million to $59.6 million.
Suns GM Ryan McDonough would need to figure out if Irving is willing to commit long-term before using significant assets to acquire the PG. To find that answer, Phoenix has to have a conversation with Irving's agent, Jeff Wechsler. The Cavs could also give the Suns permission to meet with Irving. Although Irving is under contract, the Suns would use the meeting similar to a free agent visit to sell the All-Star on the benefits of playing in Phoenix. For two years the Suns would need to treat Irving as a free agent under contract and use the next 24 months to recruitment him in-house.
Pairing Irving with rising star Devin Booker would give the Suns a formidable duo. Iman Shumpert would replace Jared Dudley and Richard Jefferson would return home. In 2019 when Irving and Booker are free agents, Phoenix could have $30 million in cap space to land an impact free agent and also bring back its backcourt.
Destination: Phoenix Suns (with help from the Knicks)
Suns get: Kyrie Irving, Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Willy Hernangomez
Knicks get: Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert
Cavaliers get: Carmelo Anthony, Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley
View in ESPN's Trade Machine
Tom Haberstroh: Let's kill two birds with one stone, shall we? LeBron gets his man Carmelo Anthony while also arming himself with a pair of two-way players in Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley. Bledsoe can defend both guard positions and Dudley unlocks some much-needed versatility on the other end.
Above all else, the Cavs need a defensive upgrade and this deal would achieve that for a team that ranked 29th in defensive efficiency after the All-Star break. Even more, Anthony's presence could also entice James to re-sign with his pal in Cleveland rather than bolt for greener pastures.
The Knicks would do this deal to get a fresh start in the post-Melo world while not having to give up Kristaps Porzingis. Phoenix gets a star to replace Bledsoe and a promising young stud in Hernangomez. Devin Booker and Irving would rival Portland, Golden State and Washington as the top scoring backcourt in the league. While I like a straight-up deal of Kyrie Irving for Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley, this trade would also bring a welcome conclusion to the MeloDrama in New York.
Destination: Minnesota Timberwolves (in December)
Minnesota gets: Kyrie Irving and JR Smith
Cleveland Cavaliers get: Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins
Note: Teague can be traded on Dec. 15.
Kevin Pelton: Of the teams on Irving's list of preferred to destinations, as reported by ESPN's Chris Haynes, the Timberwolves have the best shot at offering the Cavaliers reasonable return for Smith.
Story
• Gilbert expects Kyrie at training camp
• 5-on-5: Who's to blame in Cleveland?
• Is Kyrie following Kobe Bryant's lead?
• Lowe: Which Kyrie trade will happen?
• Inside the Cavs' weeks of dysfunction
• Vote: Smart for Kyrie to want out?
• Kyrie's request isn't a betrayal of LeBron
• Sources: LeBron hands-off in Irving call
• Pelton: Can Cavs win a Kyrie trade?
As a former No. 1 overall pick who's proven a high scorer at a young age, Wiggins plausibly has about as much trade value as Irving. And, if Cleveland is willing to hold out until Teague can be traded on December 15, Minnesota could offer a solid starting point guard as well.
Given Minnesota's limited depth on the perimeter, a trade is workable only if the Timberwolves are getting Smith too, meaning the two teams functionally swap backcourts and the Cavaliers cut their luxury-tax bill substantially. Minnesota would upgrade its shooting at both guard spots, save some money after the season (presuming Wiggins will be maxed out on his next contract) and not get dramatically older.
Given my skepticism of Wiggins' ability to become an above-average defender or efficient scorer, I'd make this deal as the Timberwolves. And if Cleveland views Wiggins as a budding star on the wing with the size and athleticism to develop into a stopper -- and remember, the Cavaliers drafted him No. 1 just three years ago -- they might see this as their best option too.
Destination: Utah Jazz (in January)
Jazz get: Kyrie Irving and Edy Tavares
Cavaliers get: Dante Exum, Joe Ingles and Donovan Mitchell
Scraped at insider2text.xyz, brought to you by HeheStreams — No ads, No Bullshit Live & On-Demand NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL Streaming
Note: Ingles can't be traded until mid-January.
Chris Herring: If the Cavs can't find the right trade before the season starts, this one would be appealing before the deadline.
The deal would be risky for the Jazz, who would be giving up a starter and two potential rotation players; one of whom is a rookie coming off an impressive summer league showing. Beyond that, Utah already has a point guard in Ricky Rubio, limiting the need for another floor general. But without Gordon Hayward, the Jazz could desperately use another young, 1-on-1 scoring option. Unlike most teams that wouldn't have the defensive strength to make up for Irving's shortcomings on that end, Utah -- with Rudy Gobert as a backstop -- might have the most fearsome rim protector in the NBA.
The move would likely require the Jazz to take a page out of Houston's book and start two point guards. Offensively, the two of them could likely coexist seamlessly (and Irving would be the unquestioned No. 1 option, since Gobert doesn't require a ton of touches). Where Irving can put on lengthy dribbling displays that stagnate the offense, Rubio moves the ball. Where Rubio struggles to shoot, Irving is one of the best marksmen in the league.
On the other hand, Cleveland gets a mix of both young and veteran players, both to help LeBron contend this coming season and to prepare for the possibility that he may leave. This deal, which might also take a first-round pick from Utah to complete, would accomplish both those things, all while improving the club's defense considerably.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
