Cavaliers PG Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland

Kyrie Irving has reportedly told the Cleveland Cavaliers that he wants to be traded. If he had done so earlier, the trade might have already happened.

Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com speculated that Irving might have helped the Cavs acquire either Paul George or Jimmy Butler, who have since been dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves respectively. He also reported that an Irving deal was close prior to the NBA Draft.

“A source said a deal was on the table for Irving before the draft, but was not executed because it was not yet known that Irving wanted out.”

We have to assume that said deal was probably not overwhelmingly in Cleveland’s favor. If it was, the Cavs likely would have made it, anyway.

But particularly if the deal would have netted an All-Star like George or Butler, then Cleveland probably would have been more likely to pursue if it was known that Irving wanted out. As it is, most of the stars have already had their situations resolved.

Now, if an Irving trade is pursued, presumptive new general manager Koby Altman will have to hope that Irving’s star power makes other stars available.