The Cavaliers attempted to put the demon back in the box Wednesday regarding drama surrounding Kyrie Irving's trade request. The Cavs talked about how the situation was "not broken" and about how they expect Irving to be in training camp.
But rumors regarding possible landing spots for the All-Star point guard continue to fly. In a summer of wild player movement with multiple stars changing zip codes, an Irving trade could have the most impact. Let's grade the fits for teams reportedly in the chase.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Fit grade: A
The Wolves present solid combinations -- though none perfect -- to set up Irving for success. They're a good team, albeit not a title contender, with good-to-great talent. Jimmy Butler still would be the team's best player, but Irving could be the man at times, too. Plus, Butler and Irving are friends. Scoring point guards like Irving have had success under Tom Thibodeau, notably Derrick Rose.
With Butler on the perimeter, along with expected defensive growth from Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota could effectively hide Irving on defense. Meanwhile, the offense would be stacked ... with individual talent. They still would be missing a primary play-maker. Last season, when Irving was on the floor and LeBron James was on the bench, Irving averaged less than one more assist per 100 possessions -- despite being the focal point of the offense.
Looking at Irving (ball-dominant scorer), Butler (off-ball scorer). Anthony Towns (post-up weapon) and Wiggins (ISO scorer), there is not a play-maker among them -- and Ricky Rubio is in Utah. Still, that's a lot of firepower, and it's a young team with size and ability that could disrupt the West.
New York Knicks
Fit: A
Rarely does it make sense for a player to go to the Knicks and for the Knicks to acquire that player, but that would be the case if the Knicks land Irving. He is from New Jersey, so there's a homegrown kid aspect. In this situation, we'll assume Carmelo Anthony has moved on in trade and that Kristaps Porzingis has stayed. The Knicks provide Irving a clean slate, a new general manager in a big market and the perfect secondary weapon. Porzingis' talent level and skill-set as a pick-and-roll/pop weapon is optimal to pair with Irving.
Irving needs the run of the place. And in New York, he essentially would be taking over for Anthony as the volume scorer -- though significantly more efficient -- without a defensive game. Irving could do some unreal things in Jeff Hornacek's system, which frees guards like Irving.
New York is the stage he wants -- even if it means less team success -- which is what Irving is seeking by asking for a trade in the first place.
Miami Heat
Fit: A
The lifestyle, the organization, their need for an alpha -- it all makes sense. Irving would provide the Heat with a long-term star to build around, a player they can use to lure future free agents. They also have the foundation to put around Irving. The Irving-Dion Waiters dynamic is complicated, but they also haven't played together for several years, and both are different players and people now. Irving and Hassan Whiteside would likely work well, though Irving isn't the best lob passer, which Whiteside needs.
The Heat have plenty of shooters and versatile defenders -- exactly what you need around Irving. With Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson, they have more play-makers and young talent that could improve. Irving's best chance of success as a clear No. 1 option lies with Miami.
Phoenix Suns
Fit: B
There's talk that Irving wants his own team, the spotlight like John Wall has in Washington. In Phoenix, Devin Booker would be his Bradley Beal. Irving would instantly be the best player with a young core that could come into its own with Irving at the helm. Irving would have free rein. If any club is going to build around him almost entirely, it's the Suns.
But the talent is thin. If Booker remains inefficient, if Josh Jackson or Marquese Chriss never live up to their potential, then Irving could be stuck indefinitely on a rebuilding team.
Denver Nuggets
Fit: D
The Nuggets' success last season was built on ball movement through Nikola Jokic's skill as a passer. They've supplemented that with Paul Millsap. If acquired, Irving may be the best player on the team, but his style runs counter to the foundation, and blowing it up for Irving may not yield superior results.
Denver is not a great fit for him, either. A small market where he would vie for top billing with Jokic, and his defensive liabilities would be exacerbated by Denver's terrible team defense.
San Antonio Spurs
Fit: C
The Spurs could make anyone fit. But Irving would not be the best player; that still clearly would be Kawhi Leonard. But Leonard doesn't need the ball in his hands constantly, and Irving could play Tony Parker's role (amplified) well. Irving is an exceptionally smart player, regardless of what shape he thinks the Earth is. That would work in this locker room.
More than anything, the Spurs repeatedly have shown the ability to adapt to personnel. But Irving's high-dribble offense runs counter to their basic principles. If Irving commits himself, it could work and would give them the offensive weapon they need to match the Warriors.
However, the Spurs value players who never let ego get in the way of winning. Irving would be doing just that by leaving the Cavaliers. Moreover, their strength has been their defense -- Irving's glaring weakness. Would Irving help the Spurs? Absolutely. Is he necessary for their success? No.
Los Angeles Clippers
Fit: A
In retrospect, a better outcome for all parties would have been trading Chris Paul for Irving. The Clippers would have had a long-term option to pair with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, one who more closely aligns with their ages -- and James would have been able to play with his friend Paul, the point guard he needs.
Though Paul is in Houston, Irving could still join the Clippers. It would put them firmly back into the playoff picture and provide another scoring force next to Griffin. Irving isn't as good as Paul, but might fit better given his ability to take over games as a scorer. Doc Rivers would turn him loose and the Los Angeles market would give him the star status he's seeking.
This would work well.
