Miami Heat president Pat Riley is known for acquiring disgruntled stars. Can he pull off a blockbuster trade for Kyrie Irving?
Earlier this week it was reported that Cleveland Cavaliers all-star point guard, Kyrie Irving wants to be traded. He’s tired of being Robin and wants a chance to be Batman.
This is exactly the kind of situation Pat Riley can take advantage of.
The Cavs have a tough decision to make. While it’s possible they keep Irving and try to work things out, they might decide to trade Irving for assets in order to keep the Cavs title contenders for the 2017-18 season. If the Cavs go for the trade, they will need to get back a high quality point guard.
ESPN’s Chris Haynes reported that one of Irving’s preferred destinations is Miami.
ESPN Sources: On Kyrie Irving front, Cavs were given four preferred landing spots: New York, Miami, San Antonio, Minnesota.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 21, 2017
The Miami Heat have a high quality point guard, making a deal between the two teams possible. In addition, Kyrie Irving allegedly listed Miami as one of the teams he wants to go to.
If the Cavs trade Irving, a possible deal might send Goran Dragic, Justise Winslow, and a future first round draft pick to the Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving.
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Why the Heat do this
The Miami Heat do this because Pat Riley wants whales. Kyrie Irving is arguably a top-15 player in the league right now. He’s one of the NBA’s best one-on-one scorers and at 25 he’s just entering his prime. In a playoff series, Irving is the kind of difference maker who can win games.
While Irving’s defense is suspect, the Heat are known to improve players defensively. Further, the Heat can surround Irving with defenders who can help cover some of his weaknesses.
Riley must salivate at the thought of landing a player who just averaged 29 points a game in the finals against one of the best defenses in the NBA.
Irving’s game would be a great fit in the Heat’s drive-and-kick offensive system.
Why the Cavs do this
The Cavs need to contend to even have a chance of keeping Lebron James next summer. Adding Goran Dragic, a borderline all-star, gives them a solid second scoring option. In fact, Dragic and Kyrie had similar offensive stat lines last year with Dragic being the better defender. And the Cavs need defense. Also, unlike Irving, Goran Dragic is content to play whatever role the team needs.
Did I mention before the Cavs need defense? Justise Winslow plays defense. Further, his versatility allows him to defend wings and bigs while comfortably switching on to guards. A versatile defender is exactly what the Cavs need to slow down Golden State. In addition, Winslow gives the Cavs another playmaker. Finally, if Lebron does leave in the summer, Winslow is a young player who can be part of a rebuild.
And if the Cavs don’t want Winslow they can pick the athletic wing of their choice. Bam Adebayo, Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, and Rodney McGruder could each help the Cavs with solid defense and various levels of playmaking and shooting off the bench.
And, just in case Lebron does leave next summer, the Heat’s future first round pick gives the Cavs an asset to help with a rebuild. While if Lebron stays, it’s an asset they can use to help improve the current team.
Conference Finals
If the Heat can build a trade package centered around Goran Dragic for Kyrie Irving, I predict the Heat finish second in the East, setting up an incredible show down against LeBron James in the Eastern Conference finals.