5 reasons the Phoenix Suns should avoid a Kyrie Irving trade
The Phoenix Suns are better suited to trade for Kyrie Irving than anyone, but here’s why they shouldn’t make a move for the Cleveland Cavaliers star.
Last week, ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst reported that star point guard Kyrie Irving was unhappy with the Cleveland Cavaliers and had met with the front office to request a trade. Ever since, the NBA world has been abuzz brainstorming potential landing spots for the four-time All-Star.
In the course of this frenzy of NBA Trade Machine activity, one consistent theme has emerged: In a tricky situation, there aren’t many teams in the league better suited to trade for the disgruntled Uncle Drew than the Phoenix Suns.
With Kyrie being an elite scorer at only 25 years old, the Cavs are right to hold out for a kingly ransom — and one that makes the King himself happy, since whispers of LeBron James leaving The Land next summer have grown to a dull roar.
With rumors about LeBron leaving for Los Angeles swirling and now Kyrie wanting out, the Cavs might be better blowing it up, choosing to ship Irving away for a collection of young players and draft picks to jumpstart the next rebuild.
Unfortunately, such a move would waste LeBron’s last year in Cleveland and almost ensure he leaves for greener pastures next summer. However, an all-in move for established talent isn’t realistic after so many teams just finish addressing their point guard position in free agency, and it’d be a shortsighted approach that left the Cavs empty-handed if they lost in the Finals again and watched the King permanently abdicate his throne.
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At this point, the best option for the Cavaliers is a trade offer that can address the point guard position, add depth to the wing, keep Cleveland in the title hunt, make LeBron as happy as possible and still brace for the future beyond 2018 with young talent or future draft picks.
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In other words, this sounds like the exact scenario the Suns and general manager Ryan McDonough have been waiting for, especially as a team that can offer all of those things in a potential deal.
Irving is not only young enough to fit in with Phoenix’s rebuild, but he also has championship experience, addresses a future position of need and just averaged a career-high 25.2 points, 5.8 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game on superb .473/.401/.905 shooting splits.
However, just because they seem like an ideal trade pairing doesn’t mean the trigger should be pulled just yet, even for an undeniable star and elite shot-maker. Here’s a look at five reasons why the Phoenix Suns should avoid a trade for Kyrie Irving.