While he may not have any leverage, Kyrie Irving “really badly” wants to join the New York Knicks this upcoming season.
Kyrie Irving’s want to join the New York Knicks was first reported by ESPN’s Pablo Torres (via Clevis Murray). Irving is seemingly doing what Carmelo Anthony did when he wanted out of Denver and was traded to the Big Apple. The only major difference is Carmelo Anthony didn’t get to compete in three straight Finals with the planet’s best player.
Although the situations might differ a bit, they are the same in several ways. Irving wants his own team, and Carmelo wanted a bigger stage. The problem is simple though: the New York Knicks would have to give up quite a bit to draw the superstar from Cleveland. It has been reported, by ESPN, that Kristaps Porzingis is not being included in deals for Irving; therefore, making Irving to the Knicks less likely. Irving’s wish list also included the Spurs, Heat, and Timberwolves.
The only other valuable piece that the Knicks have is Frank Ntilikina, a French point guard drafted by New York with the 8th overall pick. As the week continues, it will be crucial to see if New York is interested in including Ntilikina in the conversation. The Cavaliers would not necessarily want Ntilikina. His value could go to a third team that would give Cleveland enough assets to give up Irving.
The following trades assume that Ntilikina is available in talks, but they all rule out Porzingis. With that said, let’s look at three realistic deals to send Kyrie to New York.