Knicks Trade Rumors: Kyrie Irving Lists NY Among Preferred Destinations

The New York Knicks have been searching for a marquee player to be the face of the franchise, and Kyrie Irving's apparent discontent with the Cleveland Cavaliers could make him a good fit. 

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Irving has requested a trade from the Cavaliers because he wants to be "more of a focal point" with a team. 

ESPN's Chris Haynes followed that up by reporting Irving gave the Cavaliers a list of preferred destinations that includes the Knicks, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves. 

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne called the Knicks an "interesting" fit for Irving because he's from the area. She noted the team has already floated Kristaps Porzingis as a possible trade candidate and could work a sign-and-trade with the Cavaliers involving Derrick Rose. 

It's worth pointing out the Porzingis trade talks came about while Phil Jackson was still New York's team president. 

ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported on June 24 the Knicks did receive multiple trade offers for Porzingis before the draft, and "were at the very least intrigued" by some of the offers made. 

Jackson and the Knicks agreed to a mutual parting of ways on June 28. 

Irving has the potential to be a face of the franchise if the Knicks are able to entice the Cavaliers in trade discussions. He's just 25 years old, has been named to the All-Star team four times and hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 53 seconds remaining in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.