NBA Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Hint At Kyrie Irving Trade Talks; Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge Recruit PG

By Mitch de Leon
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving (AP)

The San Antonio Spurs are on the lookout for a new NBA All-Star to add to their roster. With Team USA making waves in the Rio Olympics 2016, fans are treated with the spectacular talent of the NBA stars in the group. However, it was Kyrie Irving who caught the attention of Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Danny Green. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the San Antonio Spurs are pushing for a trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers point guard - a move that might be beneficial for the LeBron James squad in the long run.

The entry of Kevin Durant in the Golden State Warriors, a decision that fans believe resulted in a super team as the former Oklahoma City Thunder star will team up with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, shocked the NBA. With the 2014 MVP almost beating the Harrison Barnes squad during the NBA 2016 playoffs, a lot of experts predicted seeing KD for at least another season in the Russell Westbrook squad. However, the desire of Kevin Durant to finally get a championship ring outweighed his wish to stay with his former NBA team.

Without Kevin Durant in the Oklahoma City Thunder, there is a huge chance that the San Antonio Spurs will regain the second place in the Western Conference. However, rumors are rife that Gregg Popovich has no intention of resting on his laurels. With the Tim Duncan retirement announcement, the Tony Parker squad has a lot of salary cap space left this offseason. Speculations are widely spread that the San Antonio Spurs intend to use every penny of their budget to execute a Kyrie Irving trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"Kyrie's just extremely skilled," said John Cox. The Venezuela national team point guard added, "He's a skilled point guard. Not just using his speed. He can shoot it, he can drive, he can dribble, he's got a mid-range game. He's really confident, especially after this year."

In return, a Kyrie Irving trade would definitely open up a much-needed budget for the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the 2017 free agency once again approaching and a number of NBA All-Star players up for grabs, rumors are swirling that the LeBron James team might be considering this trade. Moreover, Kyrie Irving himself is said to be eager to be part of the San Antonio Spurs - a team known to value all of its basketball stars equally.

It had been earlier reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers experienced locker room tensions due to the biased treatment of LeBron James. That is, the coaching staff and front office reportedly lavish special attention to the former Miami Heat star - a management style that did not sit well with Kyrie Irving. This led to frustrating losses for the 2015-16 NBA champions. Eventually, sources claim that the Cleveland Cavaliers front office requested Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to extend their patience to at least the end of the season. After which, the NBA team promised they would not make it difficult for the stars to seek new deals in different teams.

Hence, an offer from the San Antonio Spurs for a Kyrie Irving trade would be ideal for the point guard. Not only will he be able to join a top caliber team, but he will also get his wish of taking part of a group untinged with favoritism and biases. At the moment, however, no comment has been given by any of the parties involved.

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