The Orlando Magic should chase Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has demanded a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. It is rare for a superstar to hit the trade market and the Orlando Magic must capitalize.

Ever since Brian Windhorst of ESPN broke the news about Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving’s trade request, there has been great speculation about where Irving might go.

The trade request shocked the nation, as there was little indication that Irving was unhappy in Cleveland. Many players would be happy contending for a championship every year. But it is reported Irving does not get along great with star LeBron James. He wants to be the man of the team and forge his own path.

It has sent the whole NBA into flux trying to figure out where Irving might land among his favored teams. And it has likely forced 29 other teams to figure out whether going for Irving is worth the risk and expense. Especially since Irving reportedly will not commit to a long-term contract, even among his favored teams.

The Orlando Magic are certainly in need of Irving’s star power. They also have a roster that would give him clear top billing. Already some pundits have suggested the Magic would make a good landing spot for Irving.

While is Irving reportedly singled out the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. Those teams have limited attractive assets to give the aging Cleveland roster.

Irving still has two years left on his deal and does not have a no-trade clause. So Cleveland is not limited to trading him to his desired teams. While Irving might not want to end up in Orlando, Irving has little say in his ultimate trade destination.

It seems Cleveland will take the best package available — likely comprised of young talent and potential starters.

Orlando would have to give up a lot but the team has many reasons to chase Irving. Irving is a bona fide superstar, the kind of player the Magic are lacking.

First, the addition of Irving will significantly upgrade an offense that has ranked at the bottom of the NBA in offensive efficiency (29th in league) at 101.2 points per 100 possession and points per game at 101.1 points per game (27th in league).

Irving is one of the best pure scorers and playmakers in the whole NBA. He ranked 11th in the league in points per game, averaging an elite 25.2 points per game. The Magic’s top scorer last season was Evan Fournier, who ranked 44th in the NBA with 17.2 points per game.

The Magic clearly need scoring and Irving is as good as it gets.

Further, Irving shot a superb 40.1 percent from three. The Magic shot a putrid 32.8 percent from three last year, good for 29th in the league. Adding Irving would completely change the Magic. He would greatly increase their offensive output and would fit perfectly with the defensive-oriented players on the Magic. A potential lineup with Kyrie Irving, Evan Fournier, Jonathon Simmons and Aaron Gordon would have a great combination of both offense and defense.

Second, the Magic desperately need better guard play to be successful. Elfrid Payton‘s shot hurts and stalls the entire offense, greatly hurting our offensive output. Elfrid Payton is a nice young piece. But Payton is not going to take the Magic to the promised land. Irving has the talent to one day bring his own team there. Not with how he has played through the first three years of his career.

This is not some pipe dream. The Magic have the pieces to offer a solid package for Irving.

It is reported Cleveland wants potential starters and young talent, as they need to build for the future while still competing for titles.

Orlando Magic

The Magic have a lot of intriguing players for the Cavaliers. The Magic can offer one of Aaron Gordon or Jonathan Isaac and a package including young vets such as Evan Fournier, Nikola Vucevic or Elfrid Payton. Orlando has all of its draft picks available too. If the team could put a package together, it could make a competitive offer.

While this is a lot, the Magic should go all in for a young star.

There is risk involved. Irving becomes a free agent after the 2019 season and could easily leave in free agency. He is unwilling to commit anywhere.

Orlando would have two years to persuade Irving to stick with its rebuild. If Irving truly wants to be the man of the team and be the best player on a playoff team, the Magic can offer that opportunity.

Adding Irving to the team’s solid core — or whatever is left of it after the trade — creates a surprisingly good playoff team in a weak Eastern Conference. Irving seemingly could be enough to help the team reach the Playoffs. And it is possible he alone would be enough to attract other free agents to town.

The Magic can offer Irving everything he wants. Seeing the team’s desperate need for a star attraction, they should go all out to acquire him. It would be a risk for sure, but the Magic do not seem to have a high ceiling anyway. Not without a player of Irving’s caliber on the roster.

Next: The difference in depth for the Orlando Magic

The Magic currently are a team of quality role players without a star. Irving would give the team the direction it desperately needs.