When Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving asked to be traded last week it sent the NBA world into a frenzy.
Since LeBron James returned home to Cleveland in 2014 the Cavaliers have made it to all three NBA Finals in that time. Along with Kevin Love, James and Irving have formed one of the most potent trios in the league, so when Irving expressed that he would like for the team to trade him, many wondered why.
Irving has been one the most dynamic point guards since he came into the league. This past season was arguably his best as he averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists per game.
According to Stephen A. Smith of The Undefeated Irving’s trade request stems from always playing second fiddle to James and not wanting to looked at as a “son” to LeBron:
“Kyrie isn’t saying he’s better than LeBron and should be seen that way,” a close confidant of Irving’s told me. “He’s saying he’s not about to let LeBron ‘SON’ him … treating him like he’s the child and LeBron’s the father or big brother he’s supposed to look up to.
Irving also believes that he is ready to be centerpiece of a team and should be treated accordingly:
“Kyrie knows he’s a franchise-caliber talent. He wants to be treated like it. And he’s tired of hearing about what LeBron needs, and he’s damn sure tired of hearing LeBron sound like he always needs more. As if the crew they have isn’t enough.”
It is still up in the air about what the Cavs are going to do with their former No. 1 overall draft pick. The free-agent signing of point guard Derrick Rose gives the notion that the team is prepared to ship Irving away.
With Irving likely on his way out and the impending free agency of James next summer, the Cavaliers front office is currently in a tough position. In what seemed like a promising future in Cleveland, it could come to an abrupt stop within the next year depending how things play out.
