When Kyrie Irving informed the Cleveland Cavaliers he wanted to be traded, he listed four preferable destinations: the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat.
That doesn't mean other teams outside that list won't try to pursue a deal for Irving. According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, the Boston Celtics have contacted the Cavs about trading for Irving.
Irving has two years left on his deal, so if the Cavs do trade him they are expecting to receive a great deal in return.
"Most teams, including the asset-rich Celtics, have placed the obligatory call letting Cleveland know they would like to be kept in the loop, sources say," Lowe wrote. "Boston could offer Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and one of their golden picks — Brooklyn's pick next season, or the Lakers/Kings pick they got from Philly in the Markelle Fultz deal."
Related: Kyrie Irving reportedly has a favorite among his preferred destinations
The Celtics are seemingly involved in every trade rumor for a star player, including Paul George and Jimmy Butler most recently. They have the assets to trade for almost anyone, but they haven't been able to make a blockbuster deal for any star player.
Lowe said its's unlikely the East's top two teams will make a trade of this magnitude since they will be competing for a spot in the NBA Finals in the upcoming season.
If the Cavs believe LeBron James is leaving after next season, they might try and trade Irving for a piece that will help them in the short term plus future draft picks to help with a rebuild.
The most likely scenario is Irving returning to Cleveland next season, but if the Cavs actually decide to move him, they will be searching for a massive return.
(h/t 247Sports)
