Kyrie Irving's era with the Boston Celtics is only weeks from taking place, but his rough exit from the Cleveland Cavaliers will be a topic of interest for the entire season.
The 25-year-old parted ways with LeBron James, stepping out of his shadow in order to run his own team on the way to another championship.
He went on ESPN's First Take on Monday, telling Stephen A. Smith he didn't think he needed to let James into his desire to leave Cleveland prior to telling the front office. Asked if he had a word with King James prior to informing management, Irving's answer was rather nonchalant.
“No,” he firmly said. “Why would I have to?”
When told about the implications it could have within the team and his former partner James, Irving maintained it wasn't his priority when making this career-altering decision.
“If you don't speak to somebody about it, they might take it personally,” said Smith. “Do you care about that?”
“No,” said Irving.
.@KyrieIrving on why he didn't inform LeBron James that he wanted out of Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/WF9GlCA54o
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 18, 2017
James was blindsided by his trade request, as it was noted shortly after the news went public — but in light of the feud between Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant from last season in a similar situation, the three-time champion decided to take the high road and leave things amicably, even leaving a farewell and thank you message to his former partner after he was traded to Boston.
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