Advertisement

NBA trade rumors: Kristaps Porzingis emerges as primary target in Kyrie Irving trade search

NBA trade rumors: Kristaps Porzingis emerges as primary target in Kyrie Irving trade search

NBA trade rumors: Kristaps Porzingis emerges as primary target in Kyrie Irving trade search

It's clear the Cavs have been looking for a blue-chip prospect in any potential trade for star guard Kyrie Irving. It's even gotten to the point where Suns rookie Josh Jackson is the sticking point in a deal being completed. But now Cleveland may have its eyes on a certain basketball unicorn playing in New York City.

Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis has become a "primary target" for the Cavs, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. As Cleveland continues its search for a trade partner — Wojnarowski calls an Irving trade "inevitable" — the franchise is moving forward under the assumption LeBron James won't return following the 2017-18 season, thus the need for a young, emerging star like Porzingis.

MORE: Does Irving want to join the Clippers?

That's not to say the Cavs wouldn't jump at the chance to re-sign James next summer, but owner Dan Gilbert and new general manager Koby Altman understand they cannot be reactive in this situation and risk another nosedive in the standings like the last time James left Cleveland. That's why the Cavs have looked into acquiring players like Jackson, Porzingis, Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum and Nuggets second-year guard Jamal Murray, according to Wojnarowski.

The problem with adding Porzingis? The Cavs would be forced to take on Joakim Noah's albatross of a contract. Noah is owed more than $55 million over the next three years after signing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Knicks in the summer of 2016. Wojnarowski describes the conversation as a "nonstarter" for New York.

Further complicating matters is Porzingis' relationship with the Knicks organization. This offseason has been a tumultuous one for the 7-3 monster out of Latvia, as he has seen his favorite assistant coach fired and his name dangled in trade talks, most recently in a report stating former Knicks president Phil Jackson wanted to add Lonzo Ball by trading Porzingis for the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Porzingis has done his best to quell concerns by publicly stating he considers New York "home" and wants to stay with the Knicks for his entire career. Maybe the removal of Phil Jackson will help put Porzingis' mind at ease, but with these new rumors and the constant drama surrounding a possible trade of Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks and Porzingis may realize it's best to part sooner rather than later.

For now, the Cavs will keep perusing the NBA landscape in the hopes a team grows impatient and wants to make a big splash for Irving. Will the Knicks reach that point with Porzingis?