5 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers should not trade Kyrie Irving
1. The Cleveland Cavaliers do not have to trade Kyrie Irving
Caught up in the buzz of Kyrie Irving’s trade demands is the very real fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers are not being forced to trade their star point guard. Under contract for another two seasons, Irving has little-to-no present day leverage to force a deal.
In 2007 Kobe Bryant famously demanded a trade of the Los Angeles Lakers, wishing to play elsewhere after a few seasons of — for him — mediocrity. The Lakers didn’t blink, eschewing trade offers to keep their Hall of Fame guard and eventually winning two more titles with Bryant before he retired in 2016.
More from Cleveland Cavaliers
- Latest intel calls Donovan Mitchell’s future with the Cavs into question
- 5 players who will challenge Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Analyzing the Max Strus acquisition
- Ranking the 5 best available shooting guards in 2023 NBA free agency
- NBA Rumors: Cavs have secret weapon to lure LeBron back to Cleveland
Kyrie Irving is not Kobe Bryant, but he is a star player under contract with his current team. Irving has waffled on his feelings about being second fiddle to LeBron James many times, vacillating between wanting his own team and enjoying the feel of winning that comes by being LeBron’s wingman.
If the Cavaliers trade Kyrie now and LeBron James walks in free agency, they are stuck with a team built to play with elite level playmakers and instead holding Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. In a year LeBron James may decide to stay, and Cleveland can either pair him with a now willing Irving, or trade him then for assets. If James leaves, Kyrie will then have his wish of being the Alpha on his team once again.
There are dream scenarios where the Cavaliers get back a pair of above-average starters and produce a team similar to the one they have had the past few years. Kyrie Irving is talented but certainly irreplaceable. The problem is that the timing, the money and the future of this team come together for an equation that should not result in a Kyrie Irving trade.
Next: 5 teams that should make a trade offer for Kyrie Irving
The best move for the Cleveland Cavaliers is to not trade Kyrie Irving. Waiting to make a move will allow the Cavaliers to maximize the trade market and get a better idea of the future. Once a star is gone, you cannot get him back.