Kyrie Irving, who requested a trade to the Cavaliers, reportedly prefers to be dealt to the Knicks, Heat, Spurs or Timberwolves.
Might there be a fifth team on Irving’s list?
Former Cavaliers general manager David Griffin – while commending Irving – twice alluded to the Celtics.
Griffin on ESPN:
This is a guy whose list included really good coaching situations – Brad Stevens and Popovich.
The teams on his list – Gordon Hayward in Boston and Kawhi Leonard in San Antonio – he would be accompanying other great players.
I still think it’s possible Griffin confused details during his first TV appearance, but he brought up Boston twice. That makes a mix-up less likely.
Griffin was already out in Cleveland before Irving requested a trade from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, but Griffin still knows people in the organization. He could have inside information.
The asset-rich Celtics will be linked to every star who becomes available. With Isaiah Thomas – three years older than Irving and seeking max contract – entering free agency, it’d make sense for the Celtics to consider trading for Irving. A swap based on Thomas-for-Irving could help the Cavaliers win a title in LeBron James‘ last season before free agency and help Boston contend once Cleveland has fallen off.
Irving – locked up two more years and without a no-trade clause – holds little sway where he goes. But the more confidence the Celtics have that Irving would re-sign in 2019, the more they’d deal for him. If Irving wants to join Boston, that means something.