This has been a long time coming. Last post was 2014? Wow that long!
You might have heard of the ongoing debacle regarding Kyrie Irving's trade demand from the Cavaliers. It seems the LeBron James rumors are true and nobody wants to get stuck on Cleveland nowadays. Carmelo reportedly doesn't want the Cavs as well as per report.
I tried my hand being a GM for a while with the ESPN Trade Machine and being a Bulls fan I loved this scenario.
In this scenario, Bulls get Irving while staying true for their rebuild effort. Bulls get a cornerstone to go along with budding star Zach LaVine in a faster pace that Hoiberg would love to play. It'll be a quick rebuild if this happens as Kyrie has some interest in the Bulls before the usual suspects GarPax fumbled it. It also establishes Kyrie as the focal point of the team like he wished.
Cleveland gets Banana Boat Avenger Wade in return and gets a PG in return.
For all their troubles Phoenix adds veterans that has been part of their recent success. While strengthening their defense while continuing to develop their young core. I think its a win-win for all teams.
As for the teams Kyrie asked to be traded to.
New York Knicks
This is rather a straight up trade. Carmelo for Kyrie but because of salary discrepancy Cavs need to include Shumpert in this scenario.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Kyrie gets his wish to play along Jimmy, and gets coached by a national assistant coach in Thibs. But for this to work, and with the recent additions the Timberwolves made they have to give up talent as well but in this scenario it worth the trouble having another all-star to add to your roster. Cleveland get Andrew Wiggins the first pick they gave away to accommodate James comeback. And they get Gorgui Dieng another project but with high ceiling.
San Antonio Spurs
This is as straight up as it can be. LaMarcus Aldridge ends his Spurs stint unceremoniously. But they get a PG that can replace Tony Parker long term. At age 25 it suits well playing with Kawhi and that makes the Spurs competitive for another decade. Cavs get talent, but LaMarcus has been underwhelming as a Spur. Ditching Kyrie does not improve the Cavs proposition as well to compete with the highly talented Warriors.
As you can see the only trade scenario where the Cavs does improve is when he is traded to the Bulls. Kyrie is a Black Mamba in the making he just need to work on his defense more. But he still has room to improve and could be a catch for any team that could have him.
So what do you think of this piece? Do you agree or disagree? Hit the comments below and let me know what you think.
