In this article, we’ll take a look at five players who would make sense as centerpieces of a trade involving Kyrie Irving.
For all of these trades, it will likely involve multiple players to make salaries even out, but at this point, aside from Kevin Love and LeBron James, if you think anyone on Cleveland’s roster is untouchable or close to it in trade conversations, we probably are in strong disagreement. For the right player, I would not rule out packaging Love and Irving both in a trade and some of these scenarios could include them.
Rather than take screenshots of ESPN’s Trade Machine, here are five players who should be viewed as the “starting point” of trade conversations involving Irving.
1. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are expected to contact the Cavs to pursue Irving and are unlikely to consider trading Nikola Jokic. Denver acquired Paul Millsap, so a trio of Irving, Jokic, Millsap would give the Nuggets one of the best rosters in the West and put them right up there with Houston and San Antonio as Golden State’s biggest threats.
While Denver has been reluctant to part with its rising star point guard, Murray would have less of a role if the Nuggets acquire Irving. It’s possible the two could play together at the same time, but the Nuggets don’t have pieces outside of the 20-year-old who make sense for an Irving swap.
In his 2016-17 rookie season, Murray began the season off the bench and averaged 9.9 points, playing 22 minutes per game.
As the season progressed, he earned more playing time and eventually the starting job. In the final three months of the season, he had 23 games with double digit scoring performances and erupted for 20 or more points four times.
On most occasions, he was hard-pressed to see more than 25 minutes of playing time. If he were to come to Cleveland, he’d immediately be expected to take over the starting role and as a 20-year-old, he has nowhere to go but up.
The other factor to remember is that if LeBron leaves next summer, the Cavs would at least have a promising player worth building around for the long haul. Assuming Love stays in Cleveland, the Cavs would have two stars left and then could decide whether to add a third via free-agency or go in a different direction by trading some veterans and building a young team around Murray.
Any trade involving Murray would likely include Kenneth Faried and possibly Gary Harris, both of whom could play meaningful roles with the Cavs in 2017-18 and upgrade the team’s depth.
Starting Lineup
PG Jamal Murray
SG Garry Harris
SF LeBron James
PF Kevin Love
C Tristan Thompson
OR
PG Jamal Murray
SG J.R. Smith
SF LeBron James
PF Kevin Love
C Tristan Thompson
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George Thayer
July 22, 2017 at 2:53 pm
IF, and to me it’s a big IF, Kyrie really wants to leave because he wants to be the man, then any of these scenarios would be and should be okay with most Cleveland fans. Although I doubt LeBron would much care to work with a young player like Ingram. He wants proven veterans come playoff time.
I’d suggest, if you haven’t already read the article, to read the article on “Three Reasons Why Kyrie Irving is Right to be Upset”. I’m only mentioning this b/c it seems almost all the talking heads are really pouring it on Kyrie for asking Gilbert to trade him.
Stephen Tran
July 22, 2017 at 11:15 pm
The LA Lakers just drafted Lonzo Ball. WE don’t need or want Kyrie Irving. Also, Magic stated that Brandon Ingram is untouchable. Have a nice day Cleveland!