The past week has been an active one for the Cleveland Cavaliers rumor mill. It started with a report from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that indicated Kyrie Irving was unhappy in Cleveland and would love to move on from the Cavaliers.
Stephen A. Smith reports Kyrie Irving “ain’t too happy being in Cleveland” https://t.co/69yCyRtCHe pic.twitter.com/sxdmdEcIyD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 29, 2016
During a segment on First Take, Smith elaborated.
Dating back to last year, I’ve been told that Kyrie Irving ain’t too happy being in Cleveland. The situation is not ideal for him. I don’t know the particulars, I haven’t spoken to him personally. It’s something that I’ve been hearing for months; that under ideal circumstances he would prefer to be someplace other than Cleveland.
Irving was quick to deny the rumors.
“There’s nothing to really address. Obviously there’s going to be some misunderstandings, it’s part of being on a team. For me, as a maturing young player in this league, I know what we have and the opportunity we have in order to be something special. My communication is open with all of my teammates, just knowing what’s going on and how I feel about things.”
“For me, all that other stuff, what everyone is going to say, they’re going to pick one player and it’s going to change every single week,” Irving said. “When they think that we’re down and out, they’re going to choose one player. For me, it has no effect on my life or what’s going on. It’s all about winning and winning a championship for Cleveland.”
Having said all the right things, Irving seemed to put Smith’s claims to rest. However, just days later, LeBron James made headlines for posting a few cryptic tweets.
Hmm…
Posted by RantSports on Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Many believe these tweets were directed at Irving.
It’s ok to know you’ve made a mistake. Cause we all do at times. Just be ready to live with whatever that comes with it and be with…..
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016
those who will protect you at all cost!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016
James also made noise for working out in Miami on an off day with former Miami Heat teammate Dwyane Wade.
LeBron James isn’t worried about the perception of him working out with Dwyane Wade. https://t.co/9N2v8py88D pic.twitter.com/x5attHqCoi
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 4, 2016
Smith, ever the opportunist, is back at it again with a new report. According to Smith’s sources, James, like Irving, could have designs on making his way out of Cleveland.
Stephen A. Smith Says Sources Have Told Him LeBron James Could Leave Cleveland — https://t.co/pQHwBmRB2r pic.twitter.com/715UAloWX3
— BroBible (@BroBible) March 4, 2016
During a radio appearance on Jorge & Izzy, Smith dropped his latest bombshell saying there’s a chance James could leave Cleveland as soon as this summer.
And what everyone close to him continuously reminds me of is don’t you dare take this guy for granted and think for one second he’s trapped with staying in Cleveland just because he decided to come back. Don’t put it past him to get so annoyed that he’ll leave again if he feels like he is being taken for granted, ran into the ground, and essentially misused.
James re-signed with the Cavaliers last summer, but made sure to take a short-term deal. He has a player option worth over $24 million for the 2016-17 season that he has the right to decline.
Keep in mind a few things here. Smith has a huge platform on ESPN, but he still needs to draw in as much publicity as possible whether it be online, on television or on the radio.
NBA stars like Kevin Durant have blasted Smith in the past for releasing erroneous reports, so it’s hard to know what his true intentions are.
Either Smith is completely full of nonsense, his sources are no longer trustworthy, or James is on his way out the door. We simply won’t know the truth until July.
