Report: LeBron 'blindsided' by Irving's trade request
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving reportedly asked for a trade out of Cleveland last week, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst.
It was a request that small forward LeBron James was reportedly "blindsided and disappointed" by, per Windhorst's sources. The report also mentions Irving "no longer wants to play alongside James."
"LeBron was devastated, from what I understand ... He learned this several days ago. This wasn't new to him today," said Windhorst, according to Tommy Beer of BasketballInsiders.com.
In addition, it's reported Irving has "four preferred landing spots: New York, Miami, San Antonio, Minnesota," sources told ESPN's Chris Haynes.
Along with James' surprise, Windhorst reported how other members of the Cavs discovered Irving's intentions in recent days.
The shocking news was born out of a meeting between Irving, his agent Jeff Wechsler, and Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert last week. Wechsler wouldn't divulge any specifics, but mentioned "many different scenarios in reference to Kyrie and his future with the team" were the basis of the discussions.
The Cavaliers' offseason has seemingly been an absolute nightmare, as they let go of general manager David Griffin, have dealt with reports James is "concerned" about the organization, and even Irving himself saying the team is in a "peculiar place" just days ago.