Rumors have been sparked for quite some time about Kyrie Irving's displeasure in playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rumors are in fact true as the star has recently announced that he wants to be traded out of Cleveland. It seems that the the 'big three' could be split up pretty quick. LeBron James has one more year left on his contract and will most likely head out after next season and go to a big contender to chase titles. The Cleveland Cavaliers team could be split up pretty soon.
Details
The story is developing and has been reported by Brian Windhorst via ESPN.
The request for Kyrie Irving wanting to be traded supposedly came last week and was suggested to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.
The reasons for Kyrie Irving wanting to be traded has to do with his role on the team. He wants to be 'the man' on another team or a cornerstone for another contender. Irving's role with the Cleveland Cavaliers has diminished and he has not played well with the team due to it in the playoffs. He no longer wants to play with one of the greatest basketball players around in the NBA in LeBron James. LeBron certainly is not to blame for Kyrie wanting to leave whatsoever because he is one of the best in the game today and he shares the ball with everyone on the team.
It is quite shocking in reality that he wants to be traded because he still has several years left on his contract.
He definitely does not see himself thriving in the city anymore and believes he would be better off playing with another contender.
LeBron's reaction
LeBron James is reportedly 'blindsided' and 'disappointed' with the change of heart in Kyrie. The two seemed to be good friends on the court and play well together. The team has learned about Kyrie's intentions within the past couple of days.
The loss of Kyrie would be detrimental to the team overall. Rumors have swirled around that LeBron is most likely leaving after next season.
History
Kyrie Irving deserves the outmost respect, regardless of whether or not he is traded away. The guard has played with the Cleveland Cavaliers for his entire career. He is one of the key reasons that Cleveland got a championship as he scored a key three-pointer to beat the Warriors.
Steph Curry was defending him, but he stepped up big time and drained a three-pointer while fading away.
Irving is noted as a player in the league with some of the best handles in the league and he is a great shooter simultaneously. He can do a lot on the floor and he makes the team better. Wherever he winds up, he will make that team better. The four time All-Star has averaged about 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 Assists Per Game throughout his NBA career. Just last season, he played phenomenally with a career high 25 points per game and almost 6 assists per game, while shooting 40% from the three-point line.
Disfunction in Cleveland
There has been quite a bit of disarray with the Cleveland Cavaliers letting general manager David Griffin go.
Griffin is noted as one of the best managers in the league and he did a great job in Cleveland.
Part of the reason for Irving wanting to leave could be for this fact. The Cavaliers also failed to get Paul George or Jimmy Butler to make their team better and so they could close the gap on the Golden State Warriors.
What will happen next?
If Kyrie Irving is traded, the Cavs will have to look to get good players in return, as they will be losing a key asset to their team. Kyrie Irving could join a number of different team that will greatly want or need him. The list of teams that he could sign with include the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, or the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves were noted for making some great moves in the offseason.
The team is trying to sign Derrick Rose to a deal to get a good player off the bench.
It would be interesting to see Kyrie Irving join either the Spurs or the Timberwolves. The Cavaliers still have the power to talk him out of leaving. Only time will tell where Kyrie is traded too. Kyrie Irving has three years and 60 million left on his contract to stay with the Cavs. It looks like Kyrie trusts his heart over the money.
