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Breaking News: Cleveland Cavaliers nearly trade Kyrie Irving

By Ryan Stein

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 08: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 8, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 08: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 8, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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According to Vince Grzegorek, Kyrie Irving was nearly traded on draft night.

In the minutes leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft, the Cavaliers had apparently lined up a deal for Eric Bledsoe and the 4th pick for Kyrie Irving and Channing Frye.  With the 4th pick in the draft, the Cavaliers would then attempt to bring in Paul George for a one year rental.  The trade eventually fell through, but it says a lot about the organization if the rumors are to be true.  But, they are nothing more than rumors.

Grzegorek on the trade:

I had a similar reaction to John Solano…

But, lets entertain the validity of this rumor.

This raises some red flags.  One, LeBron James was unable to commit to the Cavaliers long term, and two, the Cavaliers are really looking to shake the roster up.  I personally don’t mind a deal involving Irving, despite how important I believe his talents are to the team.  But, this trade would be simply a slap in the face to Irving and everything he has done for Cleveland.  If Paul George were to stay in the Land for more than a one year rental, perhaps… perhaps I would consider a deal involving Irving; however, with Paul George’s near commitment to joining the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, that seems far from the truth.

Perhaps the Cavaliers agree with Max Kellerman’s take on Kyrie Irving and are willing to part ways with the all star point guard.  Speaking about Irving and the Cavaliers, Kellerman stated on ESPN First Take that “You can’t build a team around him”.

Regardless of whether the rumors are true, here are the important things to take away from the Cavaliers and their recent off season activity.

  1. the organization believes the title window is closing rapidly and is willing to sign Paul George for a one year rental
  2. Cleveland might not be convinced LeBron James will retire in Cleveland
  3. nobody is safe from trade, except the King
  4. the Cavaliers maybe don’t believe Kyrie Irving is the future of the team
  5. don’t believe rumors