NBA Trades: 3 teams that should have interest in Kyrie Irving

NBA Trades: 3 teams that should have interest in Kyrie Irving: New York Knicks

Name a star player, and the New York Knicks are interested. They’re clearing space for that player, accumulating assets, stockpiling draft picks, or establishing a culture of winning to lure that player towards them. From Damian Lillard to Zion Williamson to Kemba Walker (whoops), they’re in the mix for everyone.

That includes Irving, a true star worthy of the big lights of Madison Square Garden who just so happens to play their biggest position of need. The Knicks are looking everywhere for a point guard, from Jalen Brunson to Malcolm Brogdon to trying to trade up to draft Jaden Ivey. Taking a swing at Irving makes too much sense.

The easiest path for New York is to execute a trade with the Nets, either a sign-and-trade that grants Irving a new deal or a riskier deal for Irving with one year remaining. They could send make some salary and some picks or young players to make it worth the Nets’ time.

If the Nets don’t play ball, however, Irving could sign with the Knicks outright if they clear a large amount of salary. That is doable, as Fred Katz lays out in his piece for The Athletic (subscription required).

Irving would instantly be the offensive engine for a Knicks team that sputtered last season, with  RJ Barrett hopefully stepping into the number-two role, and Julius Randle cast into a third-string slot that better fits his talent level. There would certainly be risks, but the upside would be high as well.