Kyrie Trade Rumors: Clippers should be more persistent to get Irving

The latest Kyrie trade rumors wonder why the Clippers aren’t in the conversation.

Since Kyrie Irving demanded to be traded from Cleveland, it’s sent fans on Twitter into a twilight zone on the NBA Trade Machine via ESPN. Deals to places like Minnesota, New York, San Antonio, and Miami are what Irving reportedly wants to happen.

However, what could go down is what the best move for the organization is — not Irving’s personal wants. Apparently, part of the biggest problem for Irving was playing in the shadow of LeBron James.

You might wonder why that’s a problem, but it’s not hard to explain.

Irving badly wants to be able to run his own team and be the number one option no matter what. With James around, Irving was hardly that. Cleveland depended on him late in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals in Oakland where the Cavs completed a historic comeback to win a ring.

More from LA Sports Hub

• Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
• LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
• LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
• Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
• LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month

But with a championship on his resume, Irving sees no better time to head out of a sinking ship.

Los Angeles can offer Irving a great place to play now that Chris Paul is out of the picture. The future potential Hall of Fame point guard was dealt to Houston; a trade in which the Clippers received an enormous return for one guy.

It would be wise of the Clippers to at least solicit an offer to Cleveland. The Cavaliers could prove to be more desperate than even Indiana was in handling the Paul George trade demands.

Also, what it could come down to is who offers the most period, not the most valuable package. The Knicks could push that envelope by trying to get rid of Carmelo Anthony, but that’s a two way trade that helps both sides.

Cleveland could look to be selfish here, and the Clippers would have to be ready to unload a lot. Players like Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, and others could be in a Cavaliers uniform before you know it.

A combination of Irving and Blake Griffin, mixed with DeAndre Jordan and some possible young talent or other stars could bring back Lob City. After Paul left, it seems like a disgruntled core led to him leaving as well as shooting guard J.J. Redick.

Next: Getting Irving Means Lakers Can Dream About PG-13

A deal would give Irving the chance to start over and the Clippers a shot at staying relevant. But the Cavs might bite because of the bulk of deal would be given to them, while the Clippers land their next star point guard.