NBA trade news: Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler exits, Raptors confirm deal, Lakers claim
NBA trade news is coming in thick and fast and Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the very latest from around the franchises
Kyrie Irving will look at Knicks to win a championship says expert
Kyrie Irving has refused to sign a contract extension with Boston Celtics this offseason and speculation is rife he could depart in 2019.
Jimmy Butler has been with Minnesota Timberwolves since last year but he is also heading into the final 12 months of his deal.
And according to Business Insider, the pair could become team-mates at New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets at the end of the season.
They say two league sources expect Irving and Butler to move to a super-team when their current contracts expire.
"It wouldn't surprise me if either New York team or potentially both New York teams hit it big next summer," one source reportedly told Business Insider.
Irving has previously explained why he will not pen an extension with the Celtics.
"Contractually, financially, [an extension] just doesn't make any sense," Irving said.
"I think you guys can feel my attitude is really just redemption next year.
NBA: Jimmy Butler says he would love to play with Kyrie Irving
“Really integrating myself with our team again and really focus on winning a championship.
“That's the only thing I'm really worried about. Until I get to that point, then I can't really answer any questions.
“I’m pretty sure management and I will have a talk, but that talk won't happen now."
Meanwhile, Toronto Raptors have signed veteran Greg Monroe on a one-year deal.
The centre is set to pocket $2.2 million after leaving the Phoenix Suns.
“Greg is a proven big man in this league,” said Raptors general manager Bobby Webster.
“We believe Greg’s experience will be a great addition to not only our frontcourt, but to our team culture as we continue to build towards our goal of an NBA championship.”
In other news, Ice Cube has expressed his concerns about how the Los Angeles Lakers stars may act following the trade of LeBron James.
“It looks like Magic Johnson’s team right now,” Ice Cube said.
“I don’t think LeBron should even be focussed on who’s team it is.
“When you play with a player as good as LeBron, players have to remember who they were.
“You shouldn’t be looking to defer to anybody but you have got to play together. But the best player should get the most shots.
“If everybody bows down to what he wants then this team is not going to win.”