1. Rose doesn’t close the gap
All indicators point to the Cavs and Irving not being able to mend the relationship between the two sides. Having said that, it would be a huge surprise if he is in a Cavs uniform next season.
Additionally, with or without Irving, adding Rose to the fold will be beneficial. The one big question is: Does this move close the gap between them and the Warriors — a team that has won the championship in two of the past three seasons?
The answer is a resounding no.
It’s not because Rose isn’t a decent player. In fact, if the Cavs managed to acquire Carmelo Anthony, even that collection of talent wouldn’t be enough to knock off the Dubs because that team is in a stratosphere of its own.
Overall, this move is beneficial for both Rose and the Cavs. I will even go further by saying that another Finals appearance could be in the cards for the Eastern Conference champs, even without Irving.
Next: 5 teams that should make a trade offer for Kyrie Irving
But unless the Cavs make some drastic upgrades — which doesn’t seem likely — they will be destroyed by the Warriors in the Finals once again, should they make it out of the Eastern Conference for the fourth straight season.