5 potential ripple effects from the Kyrie Irving trade

2. The Cavaliers have been linked to both Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade this off-season. With Wade approaching a buy-out and an Anthony trade seemingly inevitable; could either or both end up in Cleveland?

Dwyane Wade wants out of Chicago. He opted into the second year of his contract at the start of the offseason before the Bulls pivoted toward a rebuild. They traded Jimmy Butler for unproven prospects and let Rajon Rondo walk. This team is set-up to tank, something the seasoned veteran Wade wants no part of.

If Wade and the Bulls can reach an agreement, it seems like the Cavaliers are the most logical situation. Wade reacted to the Kyrie trade last night in the most NBA-Twitter way possible. Wade and LeBron James are great friends and the two reportedly want to play together again. It’s going to come down to Chicago’s willingness to buy-out Wade.

Another member of the infamous banana boat squad may also be available for Cleveland. Carmelo Anthony was reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause earlier this summer for the Cavaliers. Reports have surfaced about a Love for Anthony swap. Recently, however, there have been reports the Anthony is only willing to waive that clause for the Houston Rockets. Does the Kyrie Irving trade impact his decision?

The additional assets acquired by Cleveland, with a long-term commitment from LeBron James, could give the Cavaliers an edge over the Rockets in acquiring Anthony. Specifically if the Knicks were now willing to accept Kevin Love as part of that package.

Wade seems an almost certainty to join the Cavaliers. Anthony’s future looks a little bit murkier. Both players would increase the likelihood of LeBron staying in Cleveland after this season. The biggest asset that was acquired was the 2018 Nets pick. The future of that pick is still in the air.