The Cleveland Cavaliers were thrown a huge curve ball on Friday afternoon with reports revealing that All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is eyeing a trade.
It has put the Cavaliers in the tough predicament of having to look into possible offers for Irving at this point in the offseason.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, this would have altered the entire offseason if he had made his intentions clearer sooner this summer.
Although the Cavaliers were not involved in acquiring Chris Paul due to Irving being committed to the team at the time, a possible swap for the nine-time All-Star would have been feasible for both sides. It would have given him the chance to take a lead role with the L.A. Clippers while providing Paul with the opportunity to compete for a title alongside his close friend, LeBron James.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers had put forth a strong effort in trying to pry away Paul George from the Indiana Pacers, but they eventually fell short. It’s believed that they had offered Kevin Love, but there was a perceived lack of interest in him from Indiana. On top of that, there was a growing sense that Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard did not want to move him to Cleveland, or anywhere else in the Eastern Conference.
Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that Irving’s decision to push for a trade now has had a major impact on what the team could have done. It may only be a matter of time before the Cavaliers pull the trigger on a deal to move him.
