Kyrie Irving has requested a trade out of Cleveland. One of his four preferred landing spots? The New York Knicks.
With no positive direction in sight for the franchise, Kyrie Irving is reportedly ready to jump ship, and demanding a trade. The Knicks are one of the teams he’s looking at.Brian Windhorst of ESPN was first with the report:
Kyrie Irving requests a trade from Cavs, sources told ESPN. LeBron James was blindsided and is disappointed: https://t.co/54afvYge9V
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 21, 2017
The report states that Irving, his agent, and the Cavaliers staff had a meeting last week regarding his future with the team. While they aren’t openly “demanding a trade,” Irving’s agent hasn’t denied reports.
The report goes on to say that Irving has grown tired of playing in LeBron James‘ shadow, and is ready to lead his charge.
“Irving has expressed that he wants to play in a situation where he can be more of a focal point and that he no longer wants to play alongside LeBron James.”
Then, Chris Haynes of ESPN released Irving’s list of preferred teams. Notice anyone in particular? Yep, he’s listed the New York Knicks as a potential landing spot.
ESPN Sources: On Kyrie Irving front, Cavs were given four preferred landing spots: New York, Miami, San Antonio, Minnesota.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 21, 2017
Don’t forget that Carmelo Anthony openly agreed to waive his trade clause for both the Cavaliers and Houston Rockets just weeks ago.
Whether an Irving to New York trade could also shift Anthony to Cleveland is up in the air. It’s likely that the Cavaliers could earn a bigger return than the Knicks forward and a first, however.
One factor to help confirm reports, the Cavaliers have expressed recent interest in former Knicks’ point guard Derrick Rose.
Derrick Rose to have face-to-face meeting with Cavaliers in coming days, league sources tell ESPN. No decision expected until next week.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 21, 2017
Set to meet with him in the next couple days, that could also bear an impact on any Irving trade. Remember, the Knicks have renounced the rights to Rose, which puts a sign and trade option out of the picture.
There’s no doubt Irving would be the focal point in a Carmelo-less Knicks team. But does New York have the assets to pull this off?