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On Friday, it was reported NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving informed Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert that he wants to be traded to the dismay of LeBron James.
While Irving allegedly named the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Miami Heat as preferred destinations, not having a no-trade clause in his current contract gives the 25-year-old, score-first point guard zero control over where he ultimately lands.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the five likeliest landing spots for Irving if the Cavs agree to grant his wish.
5. Phoenix Suns
5. Phoenix Suns
With LeBron James under contract for the 2017-18 season, it's hard to imagine the Cavs not getting at least one player who can immediately help fill Irving's shoes. In a trade with the Suns, Eric Bledsoe would be the guy. Add in some picks and perhaps Tyson Chandler, and Cleveland might be willing to pull the trigger.
4. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have a budding superstar in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but need to get him an All-Star to play with in the worst way. A package starting with NBA Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon and SF Khris Middleton might pique Cleveland's interest.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
Last season, Jimmy Butler named Irving as the one player he'd like to pair up with out of the entire NBA. ESPN's Brian Windhorst on Friday reported Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns are urging Minnesota's front office to find a way to get Irving to the Twin Cities. Although it will be tricky since they don't want to trade Andrew Wiggins, and just signed Jeff Teague a few weeks ago, you can't count the T-Wolves out considering how aggressive they have been this offseason.
2. Denver Nuggets
2. Denver Nuggets
Denver has developing star Nikola Jokic and another solid big man down low now with Paul Millsap in town, but no clear-cut starting point guard as we speak. Youngster Jamal Murray and SG Gary Harris could definitely help the Cavs next season, but the Nuggets would likely have to get a third team involved unless they are also willing to part ways with Wilson Chandler and Darrell Arthur to help match Irving's salary.
1. New York Knicks
1. New York Knicks
With the Knicks on Kyrie's wish list and Carmelo Anthony requesting a trade of his own, there seems to be a match here. And Melo being close friends with LeBron can only help New York's chances. Bottom line: If the Knicks can get Kyrie without moving Kristaps Porzingis, it has to be done.
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