Kyrie Irving has asked the Cleveland Cavaliers to trade him, according to ESPN's sources. The All-Star point guard is said to be ready for a new adventure after six years with the Cleveland Cavaliers and three with LeBron James. Brian Windhorst of ESPN recently tweeted the following: "Kyrie Irving requests a trade from Cavs, sources told ESPN. LeBron James was blindsided and is disappointed:" Irving apparently voiced his willingness to embrace a primary role away from James in a meeting with the Cavaliers' front office last week.
His shortlist of preferred destinations include the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves
Irving wants out?
Irving's agent, Jeff Wechsler, has only added more fuel to this story. "Kyrie and I had a meeting with Cavs leadership where we discussed many different scenarios in reference to Kyrie and his future with the team," Wechsler told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "The basis of those discussions and what went on in those discussions are between the Cavs and us. We are respectfully going to keep those private."
Cavaliers management has been chaotic this off-season. They have yet to announce a replacement for David Griffin as general manager. The news of the decision to part ways with Griffin, who had done a good job in assembling a championship caliber team these last years, was not well-received by James and other teammates.
Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today reported a few days ago on James's frustration with the Cavaliers' general off-season strategies so far. Irving also hinted at his discontent with management as he told Sports Illustrated this week that the Cavaliers were in a "peculiar" place this summer. The Cavs' most noticeable signing this off-season has been that of Jose Calderon.
Irving... then James?
A lot has been said this summer about LeBron's intent to remain a Cavalier or not next year. It has been presumed that James, once again, was trying to keep the front office on its toes. A blockbuster trade that could improve the Cavaliers was expected. Carmelo Anthony has been one of the names that has been linked most with a move to Cleveland.
And if James was indeed uncertain about his future, it was expected that he would ultimately make up his mind after the end of next season
Irving's news is a game-changer. It has been reported that James is disappointed in Irving. James, or the whole NBA world for that matter, did not expect this news. This event might have helped James make up his mind earlier than expected. Irving has three years left in his contract (with a player option for the final year). If the Cavaliers cannot or decide to not trade Irving, then James would have to share the floor with a star that no longer wants to play with him. James has famously held a good reputation in terms of other players wanting to play with him.
He might not be seeing a bright future at home anymore.
Irving, 25, is coming off a career season where he has averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 40.1 percent from the perimeter. The point guard with the best handles in the game and one of the best finishers in the game will be entering his prime. Many teams will surely knock on his door. Irving might be thinking that he has lived long enough in the King's shadow, and that it is time for him to be the face of a franchise.
