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Knicks Trade Rumors: Five trade proposals for Kyrie Irving

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK CITY - DECEMBER 7: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY - DECEMBER 7: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 7: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 7: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trade Proposal No. 5: The Most Ideal Move

If the New York Knicks have to go all-in on Kyrie Irving, then it may be worth it to do so. If we’re talking about a structurally solid trade that works out for both teams, however, this would be the path to follow.

With the trade exception from the Mike Dunleavy trade consuming Kyle O’Quinn’s incoming salary, the Cavaliers could make the following trade work financially.

Some may view this as a lot for the Knicks to give up, but if it means getting a potential franchise player to pair with the potential franchise player who’s already in place, it would be worth it.

In this scenario, Cleveland would keep locker room leader Channing Frye. It would also add a star-caliber scorer, receive the opportunity to develop a riveting young two-way point guard, and find a rim-protecting rebounder who can pass from the high post.

Cleveland would also receive an unprotected first-round draft pick, which could turn out to be a lottery pick if New York takes time to jell.

For New York, the key here is quite simple: Getting Kyrie Irving on the roster. Anthony will either be traded or leave via free agency in 2018. O’Quinn will be a free agent next summer, as well. Moreover, Ntilikina isn’t guaranteed to be the All-Star that Irving has become.

New York would be giving up quite a bit, but it would keep a core of Tim Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangomez, Irving, and Kristaps Porzingis—a group worth building around.

Must Read: Five reasons to go all-in on trading for Kyrie Irving

In essence, the Cleveland Cavaliers would be swapping Kyrie Irving and three role players for a perennial All-Star, a better role player than any outgoing contributor, a promising young lottery pick, and an unprotected future first-round selection.

As for the New York Knicks, Steve Mills and Scott Perry would be building the 1-2 punch of the future—a worthy cost of doing business.

There’s no guaranteeing that any of these trade offers would be accepted, but trading for Irving should be the organization’s top priority.

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