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How Kyrie Irving’s trade request affects the Toronto Raptors

By Nate Wolf

TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball as Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defends in the first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 7, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 07: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball as Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defends in the first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 7, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Kyrie Irving’s bombshell trade request will likely spark a massive shake-up in Cleveland. Here’s how that chaos will benefit the Toronto Raptors next season and beyond.

The NBA news machine just never stops, does it? Instead of a post-Summer League, post-free agency lull, Kyrie Irving blindsided us – LeBron James included – with a shocking trade request. The Cleveland Cavaliers are now reeling, if they weren’t already after a peculiar offseason.

Looking around the league, there are few teams who both need Irving and can put together a respectable package for him. Even the teams reported to be on Irving’s wish list are imperfect candidates for his services.

That being said, this news affects every franchise in the NBA, or at least in the Eastern Conference. Whether or not Irving is traded, his request will likely weaken the Cavaliers, who have arrived at the last three Finals with minimal resistance. Any change in Northeast Ohio has an impact on the East, where the Cavs are every other team’s measuring stick.

The Toronto Raptors can’t acquire Kyrie Irving. Let’s just acknowledge that fact right off the bat. As recent signings Serge Ibaka and Kyle Lowry — the latter of which would be perfect for the Cavs, by the way — can’t be traded until Dec. 15. DeMar DeRozan may be the worst fit possible next to LeBron James. Norman Powell and a collection of draft picks aren’t going to beat the treasure trove teams like Phoenix and Denver can offer.

Perhaps the Cavs keep Irving until the trade deadline and really want Lowry for his superior defense and passing. That’s an absurd scenario, however. And frankly, that trade wouldn’t help Toronto in the short-term.

Nevertheless, Irving’s request has the potential to create a major shake-up in the Eastern Conference. First off, there are few obvious trades Cleveland can make that will improve their team immediately. Players better than Irving simply aren’t available after Jimmy Butler, Chris Paul and Paul George all changed teams.

Irving is one of the best scorers in the league, which alone makes him a top 25-or-so player. Even if the Cavs take back equal talent in a trade, whoever they get will need time to adjust. Breaking three years of continuity rarely helps a team unless it’s accompanied by a massive jump in talent.

That’s good news for Toronto. It’s unlikely the Raptors – as currently constructed – beat any team featuring LeBron, Love and a handful of elite shooters. Still, injuries can happen, shots can refuse to fall and strange things can occur.

Toronto is in win-now mode after re-upping Lowry and Ibaka. The worse their competition gets, the better their chances of winning the East. In the short-term, discord in Cleveland means harmony in Toronto.

The greater impact of Irving’s request, however, is long-term. If the Cavs keep him or trade him for a rebuild-style package of picks and young players, they’ll be all but confirming LeBron’s departure in 2018 free agency. Could LeBron stay in the East? It’s possible, but it’s difficult to come up with a legitimate suitor. Regardless, with this much turmoil in Cleveland, the chances of LeBron staying seem slimmer than ever.

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For Toronto to compete in the East, the Cavs have to crumble, and Irving just made that possibility somewhat imminent. The Raptors essentially committed to a three-year window this offseason with Lowry, Ibaka, and C.J. Miles’ contracts. If a LeBron-sized hurdle is removed in years two and three, keeping the core together seems like a much better idea.

Yes, there are other good teams in the East. The Boston Celtics are probably the second-best team in the conference, while Washington and Milwaukee both figure to improve in the coming years. That’s not even mentioning the young guns in Philly. Irving could also theoretically stay in the East, therefore improving another team Toronto has to compete with.

Even considering those downsides, Irving’s trade request should make Raptors fans happy. The King and his court will likely be worse next season, and he may reside on a different side of the country altogether come next summer.

Next: 5 teams that should make a trade offer for Kyrie Irving

The Toronto Raptors are not a contender, but they just got a much clearer path to contention.

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