Kyrie Irving has found a comfortable home with the Boston Celtics, but the San Antonio Spurs apparently had a large desire to acquire the All-Star point guard.
During an appearance on SportsCenter (h/t Ramona Shelburne), ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski said the Spurs “tried really, really hard to get” Irving.
San Antonio built its dynasty on a little bit of NBA draft lottery luck and excellent international scouting, so a trade for an established superstar would’ve been a unique move for the organization. But when a player of Irving’s caliber hits the market, it’s always wise to consider a deal.
Plus, the Spurs are staring down the end of two Hall of Fame-worthy careers in the backcourt. Manu Ginobili turned 40 last July, and 35-year-old Tony Parker has battled injuries in each of the last six seasons. Adding Irving could’ve strengthened the perimeter for a decade.
And it would’ve paired Irving with an MVP-type forward in Kawhi Leonard. The duo could’ve formed a lethal tandem in San Antonio.
The big question is what it would’ve cost the Spurs to acquire Irving. Reports indicated they discussed LaMarcus Aldridge and/or Danny Green with Cleveland during the summer. It’s fair to think the Cavs were interested in promising point guard Dejounte Murray, too.
Nevertheless, Cleveland eventually sent Irving to Boston, received a hefty return and left San Antonio empty-handed.