5 potential ripple effects from the Kyrie Irving trade
By Joe Romano
1. The Cavaliers have been heralded for their ability to get current and future assets in return for Kyrie Irving. The 2018 Nets pick stands out as the biggest.
The future of the Cavaliers got a little brighter with their trade of Kyrie Irving. That’s a rare thing to say when the guy traded is a 25-year-old All-Star. The 2018 Nets pick was a hot topic this off-season. The Celtics seemed unwilling to offer it in trade for Paul George or Jimmy Butler. Danny Ainge finally pulled the trigger when Kyrie Irving became available.
Perhaps the additional pick the Celtics picked up from their trade with Philadelphia at the draft loosed Ainge’s reigns. The Celtics acquired a valuable Lakers/Sacramento pick when they moved down in the draft and allowed Philadelphia to land Markelle Fultz.
The Cavaliers now own one of the most valuable trade chips in the league. Rumors are already swirling about what they will do with it. Could they trade it for an established star that becomes available? Or do they keep it and hope it gives them a young stud to prepare for the future?
Most of this centers around LeBron James, as do most conversations with the Cavaliers.
If LeBron James tells the Cavaliers he is willing to commit for a few more seasons, then expect that pick to be traded. The Cavaliers have sent out first round picks for Channing Frye, Kyle Korver and Timofey Mozgov during LeBron’s second tenure. Cleveland has shown it’s desire to push the chips towards the center if James is leading the team.
LeBron’s refusal to comment on the rumors of him leaving may entice the Cavaliers to hang onto the pick. The Nets are not going to be a good team this year. They traded their best player, Brook Lopez, for a 21-year-old point guard, D’Angelo Russell, who’s still growing into the position.
The 2018 lottery is also as talented at the top of any we’ve seen in the past. Prospects like Michael Porter Jr., Mohamed Bamba and Luka Doncic have teams excited. If the Nets are able to hand the Cavaliers a top pick, one of these guys sets them up for life after LeBron.
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The NBA has turned into a 12-month sport, a mega trade in August proves that. LeBron James will again be at the center of the league’s most fascinating team. His future decision will not only impact the Cavaliers but the entire league for years to come.