The news of Kyrie Irving demanding a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers came as a shock to virtually everyone when it broke last Friday. Now that the original news is out, the speculation and reports have turned to what possible trades for Irving the Cavs can make, why Irving wants out and what role LeBron James played in everything. Here are all the latest rumors and you need to know on Kyrie Irving and LeBron James right now.
Why Irving Wants Out
It appears there are multiple reasons why Irving requested a trade from the Cavs. The biggest was his desire to be the centerpiece of a team, which he didn't feel was possible in Cleveland with LeBron James. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Dave McMenamin and Brian Windhorst came together for a major report that Irving was tired of playing second fiddle to LeBron. Irving was also tired of the passive-aggressiveness of James and that LeBron got preferential treatment. It's not a surprise that treatment is the case for one of the best players to ever play the game. But Irving wanted some of that too, and in the end, it seems jealousy played a role here. Irving was tired of playing Robin to LeBron's Batman. So, he's electing to try to be Nightwing. It's not about the wins right now for Irving, which surprises many, including Damian Lillard.
Also playing a role, based on that same report, was that Irving didn't like the team losing GM David Griffin. It was Griffin who helped manage all the egos and personalities in Cleveland and Irving's decision to want a trade was likely influenced by the loss of Griffin.
Not mentioned in that report is the possibility of James leaving Cleveland, which has been the topic of much speculation and discussion. It stands to reason that if Irving wants to the be the star of a franchise and now wants out, that's a sign that perhaps James won't leave Cleveland. Then again, the roster is built around James and with limited cap flexibility going forward.
Connect With Chat Sports:
Chat Sports on Periscope
Chat Sports on Starters
Chat Sports: Minds Behind the Game
Kyrie Irving Thinks LeBron Was The Leak
Irving's request came about a week before it was leaked and reported. Well according to Stephen A. Smith of ESPN, Irving's camp thinks it was James who leaked it. Here's the video of Smith's comments and the transcription.
“Kyrie’s side of the camp is disgusted because their mentality is that they didn’t put this out. They believe LeBron James and his camp put this out. LeBron James’ people obviously, categorically, deny such a thing. But Kyrie Irving’s side of the camp believes that LeBron has put this out because LeBron is a bit perturbed at what he had heard Kyrie Irving had told Cleveland Cavaliers’ management.”
Of course, James leaking Irving's trade request might hurt Irving's trade value. It also points to not a great relationship right now between Irving and James.
TRENDING: 5 Teams That Could Trade For Cavs PG Kyrie Irving
Trade Ideas
As we've linked and mentioned above, the main speculation now is what trades the Cavs could pull off for Irving. ESPN's Zach Lowe wrote a long piece about a potential trade, a move he gets the sense is imminent.
"They (the Cavs) are acting as if they intend to [trade Irvin]," Lowe writes. "Cleveland is seeking a bundle of assets, but the highest priority right now is snagging a blue-chip young player, according to sources across the league. That is not necessarily a signal they think James is leaving. They would like to get everything: one or two veterans who can help LeBron dethrone Golden State, that blue-chipper, and picks. They want to prepare for a worst-case scenario of LeBron leaving without shoving him out the door by acquiring players he deems unready. Even so, the blue-chipper appears to be their guidepost, sources say."
And Lowe complied several teams that are interested and potential offers they can make. We've listed them below, rapid-fire style, with a short blurb.
Boston Celtics: Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and pick(s)
Lowe writes this one seems unlikely. Boston might not offer it and does either side want to make a trade with their biggest threat in the East?
Phoenix: Eric Bledsoe and ?
Lowe writes Bledsoe is the focal point: a talented PG who also shares an agent with James. But what else is going to Cleveland? Jared Dudley isn't enough, even if the Suns take Shumpert. T.J. Warren is another possible option, but the Suns won't give up Devin Booker. They want to keep Josh Jackson as well, but including him could help a two-team trade go through.
Knicks: 3-Team Deal With Suns
This one has been floated around, with the Cavs getting Bledsoe and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks getting Kyrie and the Suns getting a pick, contracts like Channing Frye and Shumpert and Frank Ntilikina. But the issue here is the Suns, who don't get enough back for Bledsoe. The Cavs, also, end up taking on salary.
Heat: Goran Dragic, Justice Winslow and Wayne Ellington
I had suggested just Dragic and Winslow, but Lowe adds Ellington while having the Heat take Shumpert. But, that's not a great offer and the Heat don't have picks to include.
Bucks: Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, and two unprotected first-rounders
This is another Lowe suggests, though he says the Bucks might not include both players. But, it might not be enough for the Cavs, who want another, as Lowe puts it, "Bucket-Getter" to help James.
Nuggets: Wilson Chandler, Gary Harris, Murray, and a first-round pick
Lowe calls Denver an "intriguing partner." Nikola Jokic handled the ball a lot last year, which would need to change in a trade to fit Irving. Lowe thinks the above offer would be the Cavs asking price, a risky move for Denver since it would impact their depth in a big way. The Cavs would likely want a traditional point guard to pair with James, something Murray is not.
Others: Timberwolves, 76ers, Pelicans, Jazz & Spurs
I'll group these all together, because there are obvious road blocks in the way. Irving said he wanted to play for Minnesota, to join friend Jimmy Butler, but that trade is unlikely. Recently signed Jeff Teague can't be dealt until Dec. 15 and even if the Timberwolves were willing to move Wiggins, the contracts don't match and the Cavs could prefer another veteran to pair with James. A third team might be needed for any possible deal.
The interest from the 76ers is unclear, with Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons in town as the ball-handlers. Lowe likes the idea of a DeMarcus Cousins for Irving swap, but the Pelicans signed Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday this offseason. The Jazz don't have enough to offer, while the Spurs are in a similar boat.
As for any potential LeBron James trades, that seems improbable. There have been no legitimate rumors around any trade.
Follow our NBA page for all the latest NBA Rumors or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the Cleveland Cavaliers Newsfeed