Already this offseason has seen two stars switch teams via a trade and a third is a looking all the more likely. Friday afternoon ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Cleveland Cavaliers PG Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cavaliers. And while the Cavs don’t have to trade Irving with two years left on his contract, at this point it just seems inevitable. So where will the Cavs trade him?
Just for fun, I put together 29 trades with each of the 29 other NBA franchises for Irving using ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine. And while all work under the salary cap, that doesn’t mean either the Cavs or the team acquiring Irving would accept the deal.
(Note: ESPN’s Trade Machine doesn’t allow newly-signed free agents, trade acquisitions, and rookies to be traded due to the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement)
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks
There’s no way either side agrees to this trade, but then again, there’s little chance the Hawks are even having discussions with the Cavaliers about Irving. At the very least, Schroder’s a bit better defensively than Irving, and Prince would give the Cavs a young piece to build around should LeBron James leave in 2018.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics reportedly have been in contact with the Cavaliers about Irving, but I highly doubt anything comes of it. Though Thomas, Crowder and a pick for Irving makes some sense, there’s no way the top two teams in the East make a deal. Right?
Brooklyn Nets
This isn’t happening, keep dreaming Nets fans. Let’s move on.
Charlotte Hornets
Throw an unprotected pick or two Cleveland’s way and maybe the Cavs accept? Kidd-Gilchrist’s lack of three-point shooting is a tough pill for the Cavaliers to swallow though.
Chicago Bulls
There’s a greater chance the Bulls buyout Wade’s contract than the Cavaliers make this trade.
Detroit Pistons
Man, the Pistons have some really bad contracts. Nothing like a mediocre team being right at the luxury tax.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers aren’t trading Myles Turner. But the Pacers are also not getting Kyrie Irving unless they trade Myles Turner. Case closed.
Miami Heat
If only Justise Winslow could shoot…
Milwaukee Bucks
Throw a first round pick Cleveland’s way and both teams are definitely thinking about it. Question is, can Giannis Antetokounmpo and Irving share the floor, and the spotlight, for that matter?
Carmelo Anthony will be a Houston Rocket any day now, and I doubt the Cavs think this is enough of a return for Irving, even if the Knicks throw in an unprotected first.
Orlando Magic
I’m sure Kyrie Irving would love being traded to Orlando, but LeBron James is not going to be happy with Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja as his new sidekicks.
Philadelphia 76ers
Trust the Process.
Toronto Raptors
Who hangs up the phone first: Masai Ujiri or Koby Altman?
Washington Wizards
Let the Irving vs. Wall debates begin!
Western Conference
Dallas Mavericks
Now, this is a deal Mark Cuban would accept on The Shark Tank. The Cavs on the other hand…not so much.
Denver Nuggets
Irving and Nikola Jokic could be an incredible pairing, while Harris and Chandler give the Cavs a couple more wings to play with. The Cavs would probably need a pick or two to make this work.
Golden State Warriors
Adam Silver breaks up the Warriors! Also, this one might be my favorite. The pairing of Draymond Green and LeBron James would be must see television.
Houston Rockets
If Irving had requested a trade months ago, Chris Paul would probably be a Cavalier, coming by way of the Clippers. Instead, there’s little chance this happens today.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers inability to trade Patrick Beverly in combination with any other player at the moment, due to CBA Restrictions, made this one a lot tougher…and more unrealistic.
Los Angeles Lakers
It’s a shame you can’t trade Lonzo Ball yet because he and LeBron would make for an interesting pairing. And Magic Johnson has said Brandon Ingram is untouchable, so again, this one isn’t happening.
Memphis Grizzlies
Pretty please?
Minnesota Timberwolves
Boy, this would be ironic, wouldn’t it?
New Orleans Pelicans
WHO SAYS NO? (The Cavs, but still)
Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook versus Kevin Durant in the NBA Finals would be fun, but unless Westbrook demands a trade, this isn’t even a possibility. But it sure would make things fun in June. Irving straight-up for Paul George also works under the salary cap.
Phoenix Suns
Reportedly, the Suns aren’t making Josh Jackson available in a trade for Irving. There’s still a trade to be made between the two teams, but Phoenix would probably have to send a pick or two Cleveland’s way to get it done.
Portland Trail Blazers
Swap out McCollum for Damian Lillard and Felder for Richard Jefferson and the trade still works under the cap. Does it realistically work for both sides though? I’m not so sure.
Sacremento Kings
Realistically, the Kings are going to have to offer De’Aaron Fox if they have any shot of getting Kyrie Irving. As he’s still unsigned, the Trade Machine doesn’t allow him to be moved. But I’d love to see Vivek Ranadivé try to trade for Kyrie Irving. Desperate Vivek is the best Vivek.
San Antonio Spurs
Realistically, the Spurs would have to bring on a third team if they want to trade for Irving, as it’s doubtful the Cavs would want LaMarcus Aldridge. But boy would I love to see what Irving, Kwahi Leonard and Gregg Popovich could go against Golden State.
Utah Jazz
Kyrie would fit in well with the Jazz, but Utah realistically doesn’t have the assets to acquire Irving.
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