Most NBA fans know LeBron James’ contract will expire at the end of the 2017-18 season. Not only do fans know it, but Kyrie Irving knows it too.
Reports released this past week that Irving has asked to be traded out of Cleveland. However, Kyrie isn’t trying to leave LeBron, he’s trying to leave LeBron before LeBron leaves him.
It’s no secret that the Cavaliers in their current state are a less superior match to the Golden State Warriors. Even other teams in the East are making moves that the Cavaliers are not.
Lots of Cavalier blockbuster trades have been discussed, however the only moves made this summer have been the signings of Jose Calderon and Jeff Green.
Kyrie is assuming LeBron will leave at the end of his contract and it seems like a timer is ticking down on LeBron’s departure. He already won a championship for his home state and can’t seem to beat the Warriors with the Cavaliers’ roster.
Why should Kyrie be on board with the Cavalier’s future when Lebron isn’t?
Why it Makes Sense
LeBron’s a smart guy, as he knows that the Cavaliers are a step lower than the Warriors. If this offseason doesn’t produce another valuable piece, he could be gone. LeBron’s the best player in the world, he wants to win and with just minimal moves, this team is almost the same as it was last year.
Kyrie Irving has shown that he is a ball dominant player who likes a pick and roll offense. LeBron also happens to fit that exact same description. Even though the two play different positions, the NBA is position-less at this point and their playing styles clash.
Kyrie is attempting to do what LeBron has done, twice. Kyrie is trying to get to a better environment suited to his play, where he could possibly lead a team. He is also trying to get paid while also winning when his contract is up.
J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson are on the books for large contracts. Those contracts are trade-able but very few teams would entertain those trades.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to have a tough time securing their three stars with money tied up in other places. Even with those three stars getting paid, this current Cavaliers team can’t beat the Warriors in a seven game series. If some money isn’t freed up for another key piece, the Cavs are right back where they ended the 2017 season and that’s looking up at the Warriors.
Kyrie has already been mentioned in trade talks, so now he’s trying to be in control of his own destiny. The Cavaliers are more inclined to move him because he is not in his final year of his contract so there’s a better return. Now that he voiced his approval of departure, the trade could come sooner than people think.
LeBron’s Uncertainty
Ah yes, another summer with discussion on where LeBron could end up.
This Cavaliers team has been different because LeBron has been so active in the front office. LeBron is a regular Jackie Moon with this current Cleveland Cavaliers team. With the Cavs front office all in on keeping LeBron, Kyrie is a distant after thought.
If LeBron isn’t going to give a definitive answer, that’s even more reason for Kyrie to find a different team. Kyrie doesn’t want to be stuck, especially if he’s unhappy.
Let’s be honest, if LeBron is making all the decisions, don’t you think the team is centered to cater to LeBron’s half court skillset? Kyrie doesn’t want to start the beginning of his prime playing with players who don’t fit his fast paced pick and roll style of play.
LeBron is pushing Kyrie to the door and I don’t even think he’s upset about it. He’ll be somewhere else before we know it.
Featured Photo Courtesy of NBA.com.
You can ‘Like’ The Game Haus on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Zach!
“From Our Haus to Yours”