CLEVELAND – With media reports stating that All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving is unhappy in Cleveland, could he become the latest Cav to bolt for South Beach?
In a scenario that only the cruelest of sports gods could dream of, the thought—and sight—of Irving in Miami alongside Cleveland’s most hated sports nemesis, LeBron James, would simply be too much for any Cleveland sports fan to stomach.
But, it could happen.
Consider that Irving’s four-year $23.1 million rookie contract expires in 2015-16, which at that point, the former top 2011 overall pick becomes a restricted free agent. James has an early termination option in 2014-15 and a player option in 2015-16, per Spotrac.com.
While many point to this coming summer as “The Decision 2.0” Many would be wise to look to the summer of 2016, as both James and Irving could team up in South Beach.
With an aging roster likely to see Dwyane Wade on his last legs and Ray Allen likely to hang it up in 2016, Irving could join the Heat via free agency—and depending on Mario Chalmers is retained after this summer, as he is is a unrestricted free agent, Irving and Chalmers could form the most explosive and dynamic backcourt in the NBA in 2016, and give James something he’s never had.
An elite guard to play off of.
Scary thought for both Cleveland and NBA fans everywhere.