With all of the significant free agent deals and trades that have been made, the NBA offseason has stolen the spotlight this summer. It now seems entirely plausible that the offseason has featured more drama than the actual NBA regular season will. The craziest part about the whole situation is that it seems as though there are several more significant deals that could still be made before the dust eventually settles. The one big name that stands out the most is Kyrie Irving, who recently asked the Cleveland Cavaliers for a trade. Irving is under contract so the Cavaliers don’t have any immediate need to trade him but considering the potential distraction it won’t be a surprise if they make a move. Here is a look at four Irving trades that make sense right now.
Irving To The Spurs For LaMarcus Aldridge
The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly at the top of the list of teams that Irving would want to be traded to this offseason. San Antonio missed out on both Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry this summer, so it makes sense that they would pursue Irving to fill a void at the point guard position. Irving would be a major upgrade over Tony Parker and Patty Mills, and his presence would allow those two players to thrive in depth roles. Meanwhile, Aldridge struggled in the playoffs for the Spurs last year and might be a better fit in Cleveland next to Kevin Love. Irving’s presence would take some pressure off Kawhi Leonard as a primary ball handler and give San Antonio a true All-Star at the position.
Irving, Richard Jefferson To The Knicks For Carmelo Anthony
The Knicks are another of the four teams that are on Irving’s preferred trade list. Meanwhile, LeBron James might actually want to play with his good friend Anthony in Cleveland. Both players want out of their current situation so it makes sense that this would be a fit. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers would need to add another piece to make the money work so Jefferson could be included in the deal as well. There have been reports that the Cavaliers and Knicks have been working with additional teams in an effort to complete a three-way deal. The two teams might have to get creative in order to make it work but it won’t be a surprise if Irving ends up in New York while Anthony ends up in Cleveland.
Irving To The Pistons For Reggie Jackson, Stanley Johnson, 1st Round Pick
Detroit isn’t on the list of teams that Irving would like to be traded to this offseason. That said, he doesn’t have a no-trade clause so the Cavaliers can do what they want with him. The Pistons might be a good fit if they are willing to give up Jackson, Johnson and a pick. Jackson has immense potential and could look like an All-Star playing with LeBron. Meanwhile, Johnson has considerable potential and would provide solid depth coming off the bench behind LeBron. Cleveland could shop around the first round pick for another player as well. The Pistons might not be on Irving’s desired list but if the fit makes sense the Cavaliers could reach a deal with Detroit.
Irving To The Mavericks For Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr.
The Dallas Mavericks still want to win now so the acquisition of Irving would be an excellent fit. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers would get a decent return with Matthews and Smith Jr.
Yes, Smith Jr. is an exciting player and he could very well turn out to be an All-Star point guard. However, everyone is crowning him a bit prematurely. We’ve seen many a rookie look great in their first season (see: Michael Carter-Williams) and then completely fade away. O.J. Mayo is another example of a hyped rookie who never panned out. With Irving, the Mavs are getting a proven commodity, a top five or six point guard, and a player who can lead them right now.
Matthews is still a solid defender that can shoot the three-ball. Smith Jr. gives the Cavs someone to work with if LBJ does leave a year from now.
It’s not a trade that Maverick fans want to entertain right now as there is plenty of hype around Smith Jr., but it is something they should consider.
The 2017 NBA futures are out. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
