Kyrie Irving has shocked the Cleveland Cavaliers by requesting the franchise allow him to be traded. While the uncertainty surrounding the direction of the franchise following David Griffin’s departure as head coach hasn’t helped the situation, the main reason for Irving’s decision is believed to be his desire to be more of a focal point than he is with the Cavs. There is also the small matter of not wanting to play alongside LeBron James, who is prone to taking the shine away from the rest of this Cleveland team.

“Kyrie Irving” (CC BY 2.0) by EDrost88

The reasons for Irving wanting to leave aside, the fact is that the point guard will likely be playing his basketball elsewhere next season. As you’d expect, there isn’t a shortage of NBA teams interested in adding a player that knows how to shoot a basketball, get to the rim, and finish like Irving does to their roster, and the battle to sign the former number-one draft pick has already begun. The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs have all been credited with an interest in Irving, and the four-time All Star is open to all offers.

New York Knicks: The Cavs’ hopes of using Irving as a way of bringing Kristaps Porzingis to Cleveland were short-lived as the Knicks made it clear any such trade wouldn’t be on the cards. That’s not to say they won’t be willing to talk to the Knicks, who are desperate for a player such as Irving as they look to try and build a team capable of reaching the playoffs. With Carmelo Anthony already one foot out of the door in New York, adding a genuine top-class player will be essential to any hope they have of being competitive this season.

“Carmelo Anthony” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Keith Allison

Miami Heat: If Miami Heat president Pat Riley is known for one thing, it’s bringing disgruntled superstars to his franchise. While it might not seem like the most obvious trade, the Heat have shown throughout the years that just when you think you know their plans, they have the potential to surprise you. Priced at 33/1 with the latest bet365 NBA odds to top the Eastern Conference, it’d be interesting to see how those odds would shift with the arrival of a man who was instrumental to the Cavs’ 2016 NBA championship run.

Minnesota Timberwolves: One of the most surprising links has been that of Irving and the Minnesota Timberwolves. They might not be the most glamorous team in the league but the T-Wolves are looking like potential contenders next season. Having added the very talented Jimmy Butler to a roster that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Irving may be excited about the prospect of joining a team being tipped by many as dark horses going into next season.

San Antonio Spurs: A move to the San Antonio Spurs would allow Irving the chance to play a more central role than he has been able to in Cleveland. For the Spurs, they have come so close to winning a championship since their 2013/14 triumph without success that having a player such as Irving could well be the difference between being an also-ran and a team capable of going all the way. The project may well be something that attracts Irving, and the Spurs look like a pretty ideal fit.