Seeking an opportunity to lead a franchise instead of being regarded as LeBron James' sidekick, Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving asked owner Dan Gilbert to be traded last week, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Friday.
James was "blindsided and disappointed" when he learned of Irving's request, sources told Windhorst, who wrote that other teammates have since learned of Irving's intentions.
Irving's request clarifies why the Cavs are reportedly in talks with free agent Derrick Rose, who is coming off a disappointing season with the New York Knicks. They have already signed backup point guard Jose Calderon, 35, in free agency.
Irving told Sports Illustrated's Maggie Gray on Tuesday that the Cavs were "in a peculiar place." Attending a Fashionable 50 event in Los Angeles put on by SI, Irving said, "The best thing we can do is handle things with class and professionalism. Obviously we have a great owner that's willing to spend a little money on guys that he believes in. At this point, we just see what happens throughout the summer."
Irving could have been responding to the rumors that James will leave the Cavs after next season to join the Los Angeles Lakers. But Irving might also have been referring to the parting of Gilbert and general manager David Griffin on June 19. Griffin has not been replaced, with Koby Altman, third under Griffin last season, acting as the interim GM.
Irving is under contract with the Cavs through the 2018-19 season. He signed a five-year, $90 million extension with the Cavs in the summer of 2014 before James made the announcement he was coming home.
