At this time of the offseason, NBA players are either vacationing or preparing for the 2017-18 NBA season. However, this year was different as Kyrie Irving reportedly requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers despite making three consecutive NBA Finals appearances.
While Irving has a list of preferred destinations, he does not have a no-trade clause. As a result, the Cavaliers are waiting for the best possible offer if they ultimately decide to move him. According to Chase Hughes of CSN Mid Atlantic, John Wall discusses his reaction to Irving's trade request considering the circumstances:
“That was crazy to me. I didn't know that was happening at all. Well, too bad,” Wall said of the timing. “It's kinda tough. If I had been to three straight [NBA] Finals, I'd want to stay but you never know what type of relationship or what type of details they have going on the backside. Nobody knows what's going on behind closed doors. He's one of those guys who wants to be the main guy.”
This is the first time in LeBron James' career where a teammate has publicly not wanted to play with him. For Irving, the 25-year-old is looking for an opportunity to be the main player instead of playing in James' shadow. While the dynamic duo has won one championship together, James' future with the Cavaliers remains uncertain as he has been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers in next year's free agency.
For Wall and the Wizards, there may be an opportunity to dethrone the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. After the four-time All-Star recently signed a contract extension, Washington also re-signed Otto Porter and improved their bench this offseason.
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