Kyrie Irving Trade: Spurs would get long-term commitment from guard
The San Antonio Spurs and Kyrie Irving have mutual interest in a long-term commitment, according to a new report. Irving had listed the Spurs as one of his preferred destinations after requesting a trade out of Cleveland.
The Spurs could potentially put together a package of LaMarcus Aldridge, Tony Parker and Danny Green that would allow the Cavaliers to remain a championship contender. However, the new Cavs front office, led by general manager Koby Altman, is focused on acquiring a young star as part of their trade package for Irving. With LeBron James likely to leave his hometown franchise in next year's free agency period, the Cavs are determined to acquire a haul of players that will be Cleveland-bound for the long haul.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Spurs would emerge as a potential trade partner only if the Cavs get a long-term commitment from James.
"If the Cavaliers knew they had James committed, for example, San Antonio could emerge as a more intriguing trade partner. The Spurs have interest in Irving, league sources say, and Irving's willingness to commit to an extension with the Spurs makes for legitimate win-now deal possibilities for Cleveland. Without James beyond next season, though, the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, Tony Parkerand Danny Green hold no appeal," Wojnarowski wrote in his report Tuesday.
Kyrie Irving Trade: Cavs want a young star in return
The report added that the Cavs are seeking a blue-chip young prospect to headline the Kyrie Irving trade. They have targeted players such as Kristaps Porzingis (New York Knicks), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Josh Jackson (Phoenix Suns) or Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets) -- but are open to the idea of taking back veteran contracts to facilitate the trade.
It's important to note that the Cleveland Cavaliers are not obligated to grant Irving's request since the All-Star point guard is under contract for a minimum of two more seasons. Irving signed a five-year maximum level contract worth US$94 million (AU$118 million) with the Cavs ahead of the 2014-15 season.
Since then, Irving has made several All-Star games and All-NBA teams besides helping Cleveland capture a franchise-first NBA championship in 2016. Irving also made the shot heard around the world during Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Kyrie Irving, drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2011, averaged 25.2 points, and 5.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds in his sixth season in the league. While he is expected to be traded ahead of next month's training camp, there are rumblings of Irving potentially staying in Cleveland for another year. Stay tuned for the latest buzz on a potential Kyrie Irving Trade.
