Fansided

Ranking all of Bill Simmons’ Kyrie Irving trade ideas

By Joe Romano

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 25: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Chicago Bulls and Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 25: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Chicago Bulls and Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Why would Cleveland do this?

Cleveland Cavaliers get: Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, unprotected first round pick

Charlotte Hornets get: Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert, Channing Frye

It’s a straight forward swap with salary fillers.

Cleveland would have to be pretty desperate to pull the trigger on this trade. Walker would represent a quality replacement for Irving, but the two are not on the same level. Batum would be excellent next to LeBron and allow James to jump between positions. Walker and Batum are both streaky shooters and decent defenders. Charlotte lacks the young stud that Cleveland has reportedly been trying to acquire. The two younger veterans, however, represent decent value for Kyrie. This deal would probably not move the needle enough for Cleveland but offers a way out of the Irving situation without a massive step back.

Charlotte does this trade in a heart-beat. Irving fancies himself a Kobe Bryant type player, who emulated the game Hornet’s owner and G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan. Imagine Irving getting lessons in practice from MJ. Charlotte gets a super star they’ve seemingly never had and Irving gets to be the man on his own team.

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