The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded away Kyrie Irving, landing a package headline by Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder in return, but there are still rumors around the Cavs. That includes what other offers the Cavs had for Irving and the possibility that they could still land Carmelo Anthony. Here are all the latest Cavs rumors you need to know.
Cavs Still An Option For Carmelo?
With the trade talks between the Knicks and Rockets at an impasse, it is becoming increasingly likely that Carmelo Anthony opens up camp as a member of the Knicks. However, there is still a chance he could end up playing for the Cavs this year. Marc Berman of the New York Post reports that the trade made by the Cavs could help boost the chance the Cavs land Anthony.
"The Irving chaos and James’ reported wish to bolt Cleveland after the season turned Anthony’s main focus toward Houston," Berman reports. "But the Cavaliers came out of the Irving fiasco looking more formidable than ever by adding explosive point guard Isaiah Thomas, defensive forward Jae Crowder and the rights to the Nets’ potential lottery pick next June ... That James is now surrounded by enough to make the Finals has to make Anthony consider putting Cleveland back on his radar screen..."
It's mostly speculation, but Berman brings up some valid points. If the Knicks and Rockets can't get a deal done, the Cavs would likely be Anthony's second choice.
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Other Teams Cavs Talked To About Irving
Some of these teams (like the Suns) were mentioned in an earlier post, but Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders has more details about the teams the Cavs talked to about an Irving trade.
"The Cavs tried finding deals out West, with sources saying they worked the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets pretty hard, but were unable to get the right combination of assets into a deal," Kyler writes. "There were some talks with the San Antonio Spurs and the LA Clippers too, but they also did not have the right mix of assets to get the Cavs moving. Once things out West dried up, the Cavs shifted focus to the Boston Celtics, who logged early Irving interest in July. The deal with the Celtics came together fairly quickly, and while some may say the Celtics offered too much for Irving, the cap math required a deal of this size, especially if Thomas was going to be a part of it."
The Celtics, especially with the inclusion of the Nets' pick, had the most assets in order to get a deal done. After not trading for guys like Paul George and Jimmy Butler, Boston finally got another superstar in a trade with Irving.
LeBron James
With Irving gone, much of the speculation will now focus on LeBron James. Kyler has more details on James' thoughts on the trade and his future.
"Sources close to the situation say that new Cavs GM Koby Altman spoke with LeBron on Tuesday and that he is excited to have closure on the situation with Irving," Kyler writes. "The same source said LeBron had hoped that the relationship could be repaired, but James understood the desire on Irving’s part to be his own guy. What has not changed, and likely won’t, is LeBron’s stance on his future. While many around the periphery are saying the same thing—he is gone in July—the stance from James’ side is that he enjoys having options. One of the things LeBron has crafted for himself is the ability to make his own choices and steer his own career and not be beholden to anyone. The power and the freedom are liberating for him, and he’s not giving that up."
That latter part was made quite clear by James' recent string of tweets, which are embedded below. They were prompted by the reports of Celtics fans burning Isaiah Thomas jerseys.
The burning of the jersey thing is getting ridiculous now! The man was traded. What do u not understand? & played in a game after .....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
sister tragic death. Gordon Hayward paid he's dues as well and decided to do what's best for him and family. Put in the work, got better....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
Became an All-Star, etc!! If these guys weren't good, u guys would be the first to say "get them up out of here". Man beat it! When "we"....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
decide to do what best for us it's "cowardly" "traitor", etc but when it's on the other side it's "business" huh!?!? Ooh ok. Man do.....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
what u feel is best for your profession, love, family, happiness and continue to #StriveForGreatness #Salute
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
So, as for LeBron's future, it is very much up in the air. But it's also still not decided. If the Cavs can put together a run with Thomas, Crowder and the rest of the team and maybe take down the Warriors, LeBron could easily stay in Cleveland. After all, his focus is on winning championships right now.
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