When Kyrie Irving’s request to be traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers became public, it drew no shortage of side-eyes.
Irving, drafted first overall by the Cavs in 2011, had finally started having postseason success. LeBron James’s decision to return to Cleveland is the main reason why the Cavs were able to notch three straight NBA Finals berths before Irving was traded. However, while the team was being carried, Irving had also played so well that he was doing a lot of the heavy lifting himself.
There’s perhaps no better example of this than the 2016 NBA Finals. The Cavs made a miraculous 3-1 comeback to defeat the Golden State Warriors; the first in NBA history. James won his third Finals MVP trophy after averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. Irving recorded 27.1 points and 2.1 steals per game on .468-.405-.939 shooting splits. Given that 3-point specialists like J.R. Smith (35.6 percent), Kevin Love (26.3 percent), and Richard Jefferson (16.7 percent) were struggling, Irving’s consistent contributions were that much more important.
So, if placed on the pedestal of a perennial championship contender, why would he leave?
The Real Reason Kyrie Irving Requested Cavs Trade
The Cavs’ 2016-17 season wasn’t as successful as the previous campaign. Cleveland lost six more games largely due to Smith’s subpar performance. Though they made it back to the NBA Finals, they were beaten soundly by a Warriors squad that had added former MVP, Kevin Durant. If looking at their on-court production, perhaps Irving lost a bit of faith in the Cavs.
But enough to ask for a trade?
Between Irving’s obvious displeasure with how Cleveland’s media painted the relationship between him and James, and the Cavs’ decline, there might have been enough reason for him to window shop. However, it’s even deeper than that. Irving “considered the Cavaliers to be in flux,” per Yahoo Sports insider Jake Fischer.
“Cleveland was in conversation with former Pistons guard Chauncey Billups to become its next general manager after Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and lead executive David Griffin couldn’t agree to terms on a new contract. Irving and his representation were already hearing credible rumblings around Cleveland and James’ camp that the four-time MVP was eyeing Los Angeles in free agency following that 2017-18 campaign as well. Plus, the (Boston) Celtics had draft capital and ready-made veteran players to send the Cavs in return for Irving.”
All in all, Irving had a good reason to ask for a trade.
Griffin left Cleveland before he did, taking an offer from the New Orleans Pelicans to become their executive vice president. James did indeed head to the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2018. Irving’s departure likely made that decision easier, but James was also a fan of Griffin’s moves as general manager.
Oh, What Could Have Been
Frankly, Irving’s request is still seen as a misstep by a young player a bit too eager to spread his wings.
Had he stayed with the Cavs for at least another season, perhaps he and James would’ve grown closer. The national media likely would’ve continued to lionize him rather than villainize him. His untimely injuries and controversial opinions may still have led to a flood of criticism. Yet, if was able to put less strain on his body playing alongside James, he’d have a better chance to stay healthy. Had he found a mentor in a veteran-laden locker room, his curiosity may have led to less incendiary comments.
The world will never know what could have been. All that can be said is that, until this season, Irving’s post-Cavs journey was not going well.
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