The Trade the Cavaliers Should Make

This week I have written a great deal about the situation between Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers. I proposed possible trades as well as a forward-thinking scheme that Dan Gilbert could employ to keep the King in northeast Ohio. While I stand by all of those, I feel as though I have formulated the optimal transaction that would better the Cavaliers for not only this season, but for seasons to come regardless of what decision LeBron makes in free-agency next year. The only caveat is the Cavaliers will have to wait until December 15th to make said move.

Here's the deal: The Cavaliers ship Kyrie Irving to Minnesota for Andrew Wiggins and Jeff Teague. Because Teague just signed with the Timberwolves this summer, per leagues rules he is unable to be traded until December 15. While delaying any Kyrie trade until early in the season is not ideal for either party involved, ultimately it will work to both teams benefit. In Wiggins, the Cavs would be getting a lockdown defender and a budding superstar who averaged nearly 24 points per game last season. He would be a great fit next to LeBron, and if LeBron does in fact decide to bolt, Wiggins could up his role. With Teague, the Cavaliers would be getting a point guard who, while he is not at the same level as Irving, is damn close. A three-point threat and a premier passer, Teague could be lethal running the point for the Cavs. Oh, and he's under contract for three seasons. Trading Kyrie for Teague and Wiggins gives the Cavaliers two players who can help them compete with the Warriors this coming season, while also offering them supreme flexibility moving forward.