Last week, reports revealed rumors of Kyrie Irving’s desire to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and become the main guy in a new city. The news sparked a major debate among sports analysts and fans, with many questioning the relationship between Irving and LeBron James.
Although Irving has yet to confirm or deny the trade rumors, the team’s coach and newly appointed general manager, Koby Altman, recently denied most of the stories circulating about the alleged controversy in The Land.
“I think a lot of it’s been overblown,” Altman said of the rift between Irving and James. “I think a lot of people who are in this building every day haven’t seen any of that animosity. Along with Kevin Love, this is a group that has gotten us to three straight Finals and won an NBA championship together.”
Amid the controversy, reports surfaced, claiming James was eager to get Irving out of Cleveland. Following that report, Stephen A. Smith said his sources informed him that James would be inclined to put hands on Irving after being blindsided by his trade request. However, James took the time to address the rumors and deny that any of it was true. Altman also pointed out the teammates’ history and blamed the media for blowing it out of proportion.
“They play great together on the floor, and a lot of that I do think is overblown. We haven’t seen a lot of this animosity that’s sort of been out there in the media.”
As for the actual trade request, neither Dan Gilbert or Altman would say whether they would honor Irving’s request or even confirm if the request was made in the first place. Instead, Gilbert reiterated Irving’s value to the team, describing the guard as one of the best in the league.
“These things are fluid,” the team’s owner said. “We think that Kyrie Irving is one of the best guards in the NBA. He was part of a championship, three years straight to the Finals and we value his talent significantly.”
Do you think Kyrie Irving will take his talents elsewhere for the forthcoming season?
