Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers GREGORY SHAMUS/Getty Images/AFP
News of Kyrie Irving wanting out of the Cleveland Cavaliers organization has certainly caught NBA fans off guard over the weekend.
READ: Cavs star Kyrie Irving reportedly requests trade
Despite recently falling short against the Golden State Warriors in the 2017 NBA Finals, the 25-year-old Duke product was seemingly in good terms with the team and its management, particularly with superstar LeBron James.
However, ESPN recently reported several reasons why Irving reportedly wanted to be shipped out of the franchise he has called his home for the past six seasons.
High on the list was his supposed inclusion in potential trade talks involving this season’s prized free agents Jimmy Butler and Paul George.
“What followed was a whirlwind, with the Cavs putting forth a series of trade packages looking to acquire either Butler or George,” the sports news outlet said. “Some of these talks included Irving, which upset him even more when he found out about it, sources said. Previously, [former Cleveland GM David] Griffin had worked to keep lines of communication with Irving open, but now Irving was in the dark.”
Butler, of course, went on to join his former coach Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota, while Hayward elected to sign with Boston Celtics.
ESPN’s trio of journalists—Ramona Shelburne, Dave McMenamin and Brian Windhorst—also suggested that Irving was fed up with playing second fiddle to the league’s premier superstar, James.
They cited James’ tendency to play point guard and dominate the ball, leaving Irving’s ball handling and play-making skills underutilized.
Despite his supposed unhappiness with his role, Irving averaged a career best of 25.9 points this season and led his team in total shot attempts. Khristian Ibarrola /ra