When news about Kyrie Irving requesting for a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers emerged back in the offseason, it caught many by surprise, especially with the success he's enjoying with the team. Making it to the NBA Finals three straight years is by no means an easy feat, and he has also been playing well alongside LeBron James, which adds to the shock of why he wanted out of Northeast Ohio. However, he may have had a valid reason for wanting to be shipped somewhere else.
It has been reported recently that the five-time All-Star found out about an informal meeting held by Cavs officials and some coaches where they discussed the possibility of trading him and what the advantages of such move will give them. That apparently did not sit well with Irving when it reached him, prompting him to make the request, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“On the day of the NBA draft back in June, just days after Cleveland parted ways with former GM David Griffin, a robust Cavs contingent made up of front-office personnel, coaches and team support staff members held an impromptu, “what if?” discussion about Kyrie Irving's future, multiple team sources confirmed to ESPN.”
“The talk got back to Irving, multiple team sources told ESPN, and that served as the tipping point that led to Irving formally requesting a trade a little more than two weeks later.”
As it turned out, the Cavaliers pulled on the trigger on the deal that sent Irving to the Boston Celtics, in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a draft pick. Despite playing with new teammates and environment, Uncle Drew has already adjusted well and is leading the Celtics' charge in the East now.
With the C's and Cavs being two of the top teams in their conference, they could meet again in the playoffs, which will be very interesting to see, and would mean a lot to Irving and his former team.
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