Kyrie Irving Might Be Leaving the Cavs and LeBron James is 'Disappointed'

ESPN writer Brian Windhorst says that Kyrie Irving requested the Cavs trade him during a meeting last week.

LeBron James high fives Kyrie Irving.
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports/Kyle Terada

LeBron James high fives Kyrie Irving.

According to ESPN writer Brian Windhorst, Kyrie Irving asked Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert to trade him during a meeting that took place last week:

The request reportedly came because Irving is no longer interested in being a sidekick, and would be in a situation where he could be more of a focal point (meaning he'd rather be on a team without LeBron James). People have begun speculating where Irving might go, if he indeed does leave.

Kyrie's agent, Jeff Wechsler, would not confirm the report, but he also didn't exactly deny it. "Kyrie and I had a meeting with Cavs leadership where we discussed many different scenarios in reference to Kyrie and his future with the team," he said to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "The basis of those discussions and what went on in those discussions are between the Cavs and us. We are respectfully going to keep those private."

Windhorst also added that LeBron was both blindsided and disappointed after he learned about his star teammate's request. This news comes just a few days after Irving appeared confused about the team's thus far lackluster offseason, which has only been notable insofar as their GM David Griffin stepped down about a month ago.

This most recent news also comes just a year before LeBron will become a free agent, which is certain to bring about a bevy of rumors regarding where he'll end up (oh wait, it already has).

Irving, who has been with the Cavs since they took him No. 1 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, has three years (and $60 million) left on his current contract. Though he's free to opt out of it before the start of the 2019-20 season.

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