Kyrie Irving's tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers has come to an end after he was traded to the Boston Celtics. The point guard was traded on his request, and it seems that the trade benefitted both teams. However, his former teammates are not exactly happy about what happened and it appears that they haven't moved on yet.
First, it was LeBron James who talked about Irving's trade request. James was obviously disappointed with Irving's decision as he thought the guard would stay in Cleveland and take the franchise over. Recently. J.R. Smith seemingly took shot at Kyrie Irving and his decision to leave the Cavaliers.
Smith is known for speaking the truth and his recent comment indicates that he is also frustrated with Irving and his trade request.
J.R. Smith's comment
NBA players attended the media day recently and many of them were interviewed during it. During J.R. Smith's interview, he was asked to give his thoughts about his newest teammates. Specifically, Smith was asked about the difference between having Isaiah Thomas and Derrick Rose on the roster instead of Kyrie Irving. "I think they want to be here. At the end of the day, you got somebody who wants to be somewhere, that could help, obviously, tremendously," the shooting guard answered.
J.R. Smith is obviously not happy about Irving's departure.
Earlier this summer, the point guard requested a trade as he was tired of playing in LeBron James' shadow. Irving wanted to run his own team and be the focal point of it, even if it means leaving one of the best teams in the league.
Cleveland Cavaliers granted Irving's wish, and while they lost one of the best guards in the league, they gained a lot more.
At the end of the day, it was Irving who got the short end of the stick.
Smith's role on the roster
Considering that the Cleveland Cavaliers signed Dwyane Wade, it is very unlikely that J.R. Smith will have a big role on the team. Smith started 35 games for the Cavaliers last season, but he is expected to come off the bench with Wade on the team.
J.R. Smith will probably be Wade's backup, but there's a chance that Cleveland will put both Smith and Wade in their starting lineup. Isaiah Thomas will miss a few months and the Cavaliers will need another guard to replace him. While Derrick Rose is an obvious choice, it wouldn't be surprising if Tyronn Lue starts Dwyane Wade at the point guard spot and have Smith join him in the backcourt.
