:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55956503/usa_today_9716585.0.jpg)
The Clippers are reportedly one of the teams that made a offer for Kyrie Irving. Now, it seems as if they are pulling out the chase.
According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, the Clippers talked to the Cavs about a deal, but came to understand that they don’t have the assets to pull off a deal.
Clippers did due diligence and talked to Cleveland about trying to acquire Kyrie Irving, but LA doesn't have assets to get deal done, source
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 28, 2017
Clippers found out Cavs want veteran starter, young player on rookie contract and draft picks, per source. Clippers don't have that.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 28, 2017
Clippers did due diligence and talked to Cleveland about trying to acquire Kyrie Irving, but LA doesn't have assets to get deal done, source
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) July 28, 2017
For what the Cavs want — a young player, draft pick(s) and veteran help — the Clippers were always going to be out of the running. Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell are good, young talents, but not at the level the Cavs are looking for in return for Irving. The Clippers also owe a 2019 first round pick to the Celtics, meaning they could next deal their 2021 pick. And that might pick might not be high enough for the Cavs to value it. And while their veteran talent could be appealing to Cleveland as it tries to win right now with LeBron James, that won’t be enough. Koby Altman wants to establish a safety net if James does decide to leave next summer.
Maybe the Cavs come back to the Clippers if they can’t get what they want from other teams. But that would result in a bad return for Cleveland and is likely a worst-case scenario.