The Cavaliers are scrambling to find the right return for dealing Kyrie Irving. They want young players to build a new foundation upon in case LeBron James leaves, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Cavs have yet to get a commitment from James beyond next season, according to the report. They’ve seen him shift gears enough to know what his exit strategy looks like and they’re doing their best to prepare for it.
Cleveland is determined to get an elite young player for Irving, which means this: The trade plan the Cavaliers would have prioritized, with James committed for the long term — veterans to surround James and draft picks — isn't in motion.
The Cavs fully intend to keep James through the remainder of his career, but without a commitment from him, they have to be proactive in their quest to stay afloat.
That’s a smart strategy in the best interest of the franchise, but it may also alienate James and push him even further out the door. Their team won’t be as good this season as they were the previous two years with more experienced talent. In James’ last year, it’s important to maximize what could be his last year in Cleveland.
If they compete now, he’ll have a difficult time leaving. If they don’t, it’s an easy decision for him to make. The Cavs have some tough decisions to make.
James doesn’t want to play with inexperienced players
It’s one thing for James to play with younger players — Irving was only 22 years old when James returned to the Cavaliers. But the circumstances now are different. The Cavs are considering first- or second-year prospects who won’t be fully developed in time to compete for a title with James.
James is focused on winning rings, and he needs the players around him to do the same. It’s unrealistic to ask most first- or second-year players to contribute in any meaningful way in deep playoff runs.
James knows that. That’s why he pushed for the Cavs to trade Andrew Wiggins to Minnesota for Kevin Love and, eventually, gave his blessing on the Dion Waiters trade.
According to the report, the Cavs are interested in Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, and Jamal Murray, but everyone in that group is 22 years old or younger. James is 32 years old and will be 33 by the time the playoffs start. Be doesn’t have time to bring them along slowly.
Even with Irving at 22, there were — and still are — growing pains in his relationship with James on and off the court. Going through that again, with lesser talents, is not an option for the four-time MVP.
Why the Cavs are still doing the right thing by going young
All that said, with their future fluctuating on the whims of both James and Irving, the Cavaliers have a duty to prepare for life without them. Getting veteran players who help win championships this season doesn’t do that.
Sure, solid veteran players might help keep James around next summer. But he still won’t commit to a decision no matter what the return in the Irving deal ends up being — or if it even happens at all. James is a master businessman and decision maker who always keeps his options open. He won’t change that just because of a new acquisition or two.
Trading for youth sets the Cavaliers up for the long-term, and that’s their best bet to remain competitive in the future. James’ best years are behind him, even if he’s still amazing and chasing championships.
The Warriors are still the team to beat in the league and no one is coming close anytime soon. The league is thinking differently because of their presence and, even though they have James, the Cavs may need to do the same. Building for the future is their best move.
What does an ideal package look like for Cleveland?
It seems inevitable that Irving will be traded, and it’s difficult to gauge what his value is on the market. In recent months, superstars like Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and DeMarcus Cousins have been traded for cents on the dollar at marquee positions in the league. But they had fewer years left on their contracts and/or were playing for clubs stuck on the treadmill of mediocrity.
Irving is playing a position where there’s a plethora of talent as a guard. With that said, 20 teams have reportedly already showed some interest in the four-time all-star, with six of the 20 teams making actual offers to Cleveland.
Irving’s talent speaks for itself. He’s one of the best scorers in the league and can get whatever shot he wants at anytime. Even with his flaws, his shot creation is an invaluable skill, especially during playoff time.
Trading for Irving shouldn’t come cheap. The Cavs are demanding a young prospect, a veteran ready to contribute, and some sort of draft compensation. That sounds about right for a player of Irving’s stature, even in a dwindling trade market. Irving is committed to whatever team he’s traded to for at least two more seasons. That gives him even more value.
In a best-case scenario, the Cavs will be able to get some combination of prospects and picks in return for Irving along with a solid veteran. If they can, that does wonders for their ability to keep James around and build for a future without him.