A new team has emerged as a possible landing spot for Kyrie Irving.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard apparently has had enough of playing next to LeBron James, and while the Cavs reportedly are demanding a lot in return for the 25-year-old guard, the Detroit Pistons reportedly have entered the sweepstakes.
The Pistons are interested in acquiring Irving in a potential deal that could involve guard Reggie Jackson, the Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis reported Friday, citing a source “with knowledge of the Detroit Pistons’ front office.”
Per Ellis, team president and coach Stan Van Gundy recently told the Pistons’ team website that Detroit has had “some level of conversation” with the Cavs.
But while the Pistons are interested in the four-time All-Star, they probably don’t have enough to make the deal happen by themselves. Ellis did lay out a possible three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that initially was proposed by ESPN.
In the deal, the Cavs would acquire DeAndre Jordan from the Clippers and Jackson from Detroit. The Pistons would land Irving, as well as forward Tristan Thompson, while Los Angeles would get Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson and a future first-round pick.
While it’s an intriguing deal, it doesn’t get the Cavs a talented young player who could be the cornerstone of a rebuilding effort should James leave after the 2017-18 season. And that seems to be owner Dan Gilbert’s biggest desire in any potential Irving trade.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
