There may be many teams pursuing a trade for Kyrie Irving, but one team you can’t count out in these sweepstakes is the Detroit Pistons.
This noise surrounding the Detroit Pistons and their interest in Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers just won’t go away, and now it sounds like some of the interest may be mutual.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski,
"“There were approximately 20 teams that inquired with Cleveland upon the news of Irving’s trade request, league sources said, but far fewer have registered legitimate proposals. More loom in the shadows, and many simply don’t have the assets to make a deal happen.”"
Out of the all of the 20 teams its seems that Phoenix Suns are at the very top with Detroit Pistons being a close second. It’s no secret that teams are interested in him, it’s getting a deal done that is the hard part.
As reported by Sam Amico,
"“Word is, if the Cavs can’t get something done with the Suns, the Pistons will be among the teams they turn to next.” He also noted that “the Cavs and Pistons have held some talks, and I have heard they did involve Jackson, but those didn’t get very far.”"
According to 1500 ESPN’s Darren Wolfson by Pro Basketball Talk,
"“The Phoenix Suns are the team to watch on Kyrie Irving. Now, they won’t offer Josh Jackson plus that Miami 2018 first and Eric Bledsoe. I’m told they’ll do Bledsoe. They’ll do the pick. Plus, Dragan Bender.”"
More than likely the Cavaliers and the Suns won’t agree to terms, but you never know. As for the Detroit Pistons, you never know with coach Stan Van Gundy. It always seems that he has the advantage over and wins teams over with his trading capabilities.
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One trade scenario that has been circulating Pistons and Cavs fans is the Cavaliers sending Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson to the Pistons for Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, and Stanley Johnson. In your best judgment, you have to ask yourself is Kyrie Irving even worth that much?
Last season Irving had a career year, he averaged 25.2 points per game and shot 40.1 percent from three with an overall field goal percentage of 47.1 percent. To go along with his scoring capabilities, Irving was also an above-average passer last season as he averaged 6.6 assists per game.
Irving is obviously one of the top points guards the NBA has but with him it is different. In no shape or form is he a two-way player like newly acquired Pistons guard Avery Bradley. However, his skills on the offensive end win people over.
The one asset the Pistons don’t necessarily have is a star player with a “name.” Yes, they might have Andre Drummond, but he’s not consistent enough to be the outright star or leader of a team. Having a back court with Bradley and Irving will drive other teams crazy. Having one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and on top of that having the best ball-handler in the league will do wonders for this Pistons team.
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Nothing is a done deal though, and just because there have been talks doesn’t genuinely mean anything, but you never know with Stan Van Gundy. My question for you fans is how much would you give up for Kyrie Irving and is he worth it in the long-term?