Kyrie Irving submitted a list of preferred teams, but – without a no-trade clause and locked into his contract for two more years – he has minimal control where the Cavaliers trade him. So, other teams are emerging.
Like the Kings.
Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer:
Fox – the No. 1 No. 5 in last month’s draft – could make sense as the centerpiece of an Irving trade if Cleveland wants to get younger in preparation of LeBron James leaving next summer. The Kings could also include some combination of Bogdan Bogdanovic, Buddy Hield, Willie Cauley-Stein, Skal Labissiere, Georgios Papagiannis, Malachi Richardson and/or future draft picks.
But it doesn’t seem that concept is getting off the ground.
James Ham of NBC Sports California:
Irving is way more valuable than Fox, even to Sacramento. Irving is just a few months older than Bogdanovic, a rookie the Kings just signed to join their young core. Irving’s contract would keep him in Sacramento for two years, and a desire to spread his wings could secure him longer.
Maybe the Kings are just delusional about Fox’s value. Or maybe Vlade Divac is just trying to gain leverage. After all, he doesn’t have a track record of trustworthiness when he says he won’t trade someone.
Most likely: The Kings know they lack the assets to get Irving without gutting their team to the point it wouldn’t be worth it. So, rather than entering a prolonged pursuit of him only to get rejected later, they’re just saying they’re not interested.