Nuggets: Mike Miller says Kyrie Irving is ‘definitely interested’ in Denver

Kyrie Irving is “definitely interested” in playing for the Denver Nuggets, according to former Nugget and Irving’s ex Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Mike Miller.

The Denver Nuggets should be thinking hard about pursuing a trade for Kyrie Irving, who wants a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers so he can leave playing with LeBron James and start afresh with an even bigger role elsewhere.

We already know that the Nuggets are expected to contact the Cavs to express their interest if they haven’t already, and now we have another piece of information, courtesy of former Nuggets veteran wing Mike Miller, that Irving is interested in playing in Denver.

When asked by Altitude Radio whether Irving would consider playing for the Nuggets, Miller sounded confident that the point guard would view them as a team he’d like (h/t BSN Denver’s Harrison Wind):

"“I’ve already asked that question. I don’t know if I can give you the answer but I’ve already asked that question. I think he will. I really do. Like anything else, when people look at cities, Denver’s an unbelievable city we all know that. And with what the organization has built there, he would be crazy not to and he’s definitely, definitely interested in it and I told him by putting this thing out there he has no choice.”"

Miller was a teammate of Irving’s during the 2014-15 season, so the two have some history together and a connection in that regard. If Miller is correct (he’d have no reason to make this up) and Irving still has some of this interest, that bodes well for how he’d like gelling with the team if he were to be traded to Denver.

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Of course, no matter how much interest Irving may potentially have in joining the Nuggets, especially after they added Paul Millsap this summer to strengthen their standing in the Western Conference, Irving’s wishes don’t change the situation. He has no leverage over what the Cavs do, and they ultimately won’t make a trade unless they get the “king’s ransom” offer they want. The team that makes the best offer will get Irving, and the Cavs are in no rush to send him somewhere just because it’s what he wants.

Nevertheless, it’s some positive news for Nuggets fans when considering how Irving views the team. The Cavs may want a package Denver can put together as well, featuring a young, talented guard like Jamal Murray or Gary Harris along with complementary role players, picks or a valuable wing like Wilson Chandler.

Next: Why Denver should pursue a trade for Kyrie

We just need to wait and see whether the Nuggets’ interest persists and they can beat out other teams.