NBA Trade Rumors: Pacers, Bulls wanted Kyrie Irving from Cavaliers
Both the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls inquired about Kyrie Irving, but the Cleveland Cavaliers said no.
The Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls both checked in with the Cleveland Cavaliers about acquiring star point guard Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately, as was reported in a tweet by Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio, the Cavs weren’t really having any of it.
Irving’s name has floated in trade rumors this week since the Cavaliers appear to be in a state of uncertainty. The team just lost to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals for the second time in three years and GM David Griffin was recently fired. Griffin’s firing apparently has not sat well with some of the Cavaliers players.
Furthermore, the Chicago Sun Times reported earlier this week that Irving had allegedly reached out to some of his friends from Team USA to tell them he could be willing to force a trade out of Cleveland. His reasoning was that teammate and Cavs star LeBron James could opt out of his contract in 2018 and there would be little reason to stay in Cleveland if James left for another team.
Both #Pacers and #Bulls were trying to insist on Kyrie Irving in trades, sources say. #Cavs quickly lost interest.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 22, 2017
It makes perfect sense as to why either Indiana or Chicago would want to acquire Irving. Both have major needs at point guard and Irving, on top of having championship experience, is a four-time All-Star and excellent scoring point guard.
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The sad truth is that Cleveland has no incentive to trade Irving. James has not indicated whether he will opt out of his deal after next season, so why break up the core?
Oh, and there’s also the fact that Irving has averaged 21.6 points and 5.6 assists per game for his career. The long and short of it is that Cleveland will not even entertain an offer for him unless a major talent is acquired in return.