Kyrie Irving wants to leave the Cavs and out of LeBron's shadow

World
Europe

Four-time NBA all-star point guard, Kyrie Irving has asked the Cleveland Cavaliers to trade him. The 25-year-old said he wants a “bigger role."

Irving told Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers last week that he did not want to play alongside LeBron James and wanted to go to a team where he could be more of a focal point.

When asked about the news, Irving’s agent Jeff Wechsler neither confirmed nor denied. Wechsler only told ESPN that their discussions with the team would remain private.

ESPN listed four teams as the potential destinations for Irving: San Antonio Spurs, New York Nicks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Irving has not convinced the world that he is a qualified leader. /VCG Photo

LeBron James was “blindsided” and “disappointed” hearing the news. He said he would not interfere and only wanted to focus on his own plan for the offseason, reported ESPN on Friday.

Irving still has three years on his 60 million US dollar contract with the Cavaliers. He can also choose to opt out in the 2019-20 season which is the last year of his contract.

Irving was one of the biggest contributors to the Cavs 2016 NBA championship win. The Cavaliers selected him with the number 1 overall pick in 2011. He has been considered as the future franchise player for the team.

Data from the 2016-17 season showed that Irving had not proved he could be a leader without LeBron.