Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyrie Irving’s trade request makes perfect sense

The timing of Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving’s trade request was not ideal (no requests ever are), but at least we now know his mindset.

Kyrie Irving still is under contract for multiple seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that did not impact his desire to pursue other opportunities. Despite stating where he wants to play next season, Irving does not have the leverage forward James has.

The reason being is that James has a no trade clause unlike Irving. With all that has been discussed surrounding involving Irving in the last day, this request makes so much sense. I know it is unpopular to say, but just think about it.

As ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst broke down the timing and reasons behind Irving’s request, one thing immediately stood out.

If you don’t recall what happened back in 2014, Windhorst discussed in the link below why Irving signed his extension a few years ago. Regarding Irving:

"He thought he was signing up for five years of a team being built through the point guard. David Griffin had just been named general manager. And he sold him on building a team in Cleveland like he had in Phoenix all the years he was there, where they built around Steve Nash. And that’s what Kyrie Irving thought he was signing up for."

Regardless of Cleveland’s success, are you really that surprised? It never seemed that Irving was content with being second or third wheel in Cleveland once James returned.

Sure, they supported each other, but it seemed like Irving has always wanted that chance to be the first option.

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Should Cleveland move Irving, it is unlikely that goal will be accomplished as most teams already have their first option under contract for years to come. Besides, what good is it to the Cavaliers if James were to leave after next season?

All opposing teams would have to do is shut down power forward Kevin Love and Irving as a result would be forced to play five on one basketball. Not only that, but the case could be made that Cleveland would not be a top two team in the eastern conference.

I doubt Cleveland chooses to trade Irving. However, if they did, at least the organization would not have to hold their breath waiting to see what Irving decides to do starting next offseason and for the whole year going forward as he gets set to play out his final year on his contract.

If James were to stay next offseason and Cleveland opts to keep Irving, then maybe things can change from Irving’s point of view long-term. It is unlikely, but you never know.

On the other hand, let’s say Cleveland deals Irving. Who starts at point guard?

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Unless they somehow get a player at the position in the trade, guard Iman Shumpert would likely “start” there, but James would be the point. Kay Felder and Jose Calderon are not realistic options.

If Griffin was given a respectable contract from owner Dan Gilbert, maybe there would be no trade speculation surrounding Irving. At the end of the day, this is a mess that Gilbert must fix. He was the one that moved on Griffin, who excelled at creating and managing the roster and the players on it.

From the dysfunction at the top, the unknowns surrounding James’ future, along with how legit Cleveland’s chances are to win a finals again with such a poor offseason, it’s understandable Irving feels the way he does. That does not make it right, but the writing is starting to be seen on the way.

Next: Does adding Derrick Rose upgrade the roster?

Should moves x,y, and/or z happens, the Cavaliers could significantly drop in the standings in the coming years. Hopefully that does not occur, but if the roster is not getting upgraded in any way, a lot of questions will remain left unanswered.