Kyrie Irving expressed last week that he wanted out of Cleveland, and listed Minnesota as one of four teams he’d like to be traded to.
However, Irving doesn’t have a no-trade clause. So he could be traded to any team that makes Cleveland an offer they can’t refuse, regardless of if that team is on the point guard’s wish list.
Here’s where all the Irving rumors stand as of Tuesday afternoon.
“Minnesota is his No. 1 preference”
“He doesn’t get to choose if somebody else comes up with viable trade scenario for the Cleveland Cavilers,” said Stephen A. Smith on Tuesday to Mike & Mike. “Even though it’s not one of those four teams that Kyrie Irving supposedly has on his wish list and I’m told they are those four teams and Minnesota is his No. 1 preference. The bottom line is Cleveland can send him wherever they want.”
Although Irving may have Minnesota as his top choice, Smith notes the New York Knicks are the most viable option because they have a lot to offer – including Carmelo Anthony.
Butler and Towns are pursuing
There were reports last weekend that Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns were pressuring coach Tom Thibodeau and GM Scott Layden to make a move for Irving.
Smith’s colleague Brian Windhorst – who was the first to break the Irving news last Friday – joined 1500 ESPN on Tuesday and said he can’t see how Thibodeau wouldn’t want Irving as soon as possible
Probably a pipe dream
It’s a dream scenario on paper, but it would be tough for the Wolves to actually pull it off.
They’d most likely have to part ways with Andrew Wiggins.
Plus the team can’t trade recently signed point guard Jeff Teague until mid-December.
Irving’s a prolific scorer but he’s also one of the worst defenders in the league at his position. Thibodeau may be a defensive-minded coach but trading for Irving might not necessarily make the team better on defense – an area they still need to improve upon from last season.
