Yesterday, we learned that Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavs.
Sources around the league report Irving is tired of playing second fiddle to Lebron James and wants to go to a team where he would be the focal point.
[Related: Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland.]
Kyrie told Cavs owner Dan Gilbert that he wanted out a couple of weeks ago. According to Stephen A. Smith, many believe news of the request finally leaked yesterday because Lebron leaked it
According to my sources, they believe LeBron James had everything to do with news getting out that Kyrie Irving wants to be traded, because Kyrie Irving and his representation and others met with the Cavaliers a couple weeks ago, and not a word got out until recently," Smith said on Sportscenter. "They believe that LeBron James got word of it, and was put off by it, and leaked it. I'm not going to accuse LeBron of such a thing, I don't know that to be true at all, but I know that's what Kyrie Irving believes. The mere fact that he has that question, says it's time to move."If Lebron did in fact leak the info, it could be because he wants to clear a path for his own exit from Cleveland.
Last month, it was reported James plans on opting out his contract with his hometown team after the 2017-2018 season so he can join one of the Los Angeles teams.
Here's Kyrie and Lebron in better times: