Last Friday ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers because he wants to be in a position where he can be the focal point, and no longer wants to play alongside LeBron James.
However, Kyrie never intended for this trade request, which he reportedly made two weeks ago, to become public knowledge.
ESPN's Stephen A Smith explained Kyrie Irving and his camp believe LeBron James is responsible for his trade request being leaked to the media.
Stephen A Smith says, per TotalProSports,
“According to my sources, they believe LeBron James had everything to do with news getting out that Kyrie Irving wants to be traded, because Kyrie Irving and his representation and others met with the Cavaliers a couple weeks ago, and not a word got out until recently.”
“They believe that LeBron James got word of it, and was put off by it, and leaked it. I’m not going to accuse LeBron of such a thing, I don’t know that to be true at all, but I know that’s what Kyrie Irving believes. The mere fact that he has that question, says it’s time to move on.
Shortly after word got about Kyrie's request, rumors began swirling that he prefers to be traded to one of the four following teams: San Antonio, Miami, Minnesota or the New York Knicks.
Of course, Kyrie doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract so it really doesn't matter where he prefers or doesn't prefer to go.
LeBron, who does have a no-trade clause, reportedly doesn't intend to waive it and will play out the 2017-18 season in Cleveland with whoever is on the Cavs roster. He will be a free agent after next season.