Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors: Cavaliers Eyeing Deal, LeBron James Upset With Teammate

When the news broke that Kyrie Irving wanted to be traded, it didn’t necessarily mean that the Cleveland Cavaliers would honor his request. He still has two years left on his contract and remains a key part in the team’s hopes to reach the 2018 NBA Finals and challenge the Golden State Warriors.

The latest rumors, however, indicate that Irving is as good as gone. Cleveland has already begun to move on, signing point guard Derrick Rose, who could help replace at least some of Irving's production.

READ: LeBron James At Center Of Kyrie Irving's Trade Request

According to Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, Rose and members of the Cavs’ front office spent the day together Monday before agreeing to a one-year, $2.1 million contract. The two sides reportedly talked about how Cleveland would return to the Finals without Irving on the roster. Vardon said that Rose could potentially take Irving’s spot as the starting point guard, adding that LeBron James is “eager” to see the Cavs trade Irving.

James was reportedly blindsided by Irving’s trade request, fully expecting the tandem to try to win their second championship together. Irving asked to be sent elsewhere because he no longer wants to play alongside James, looking to be the No.1 option on another team.

Stephen A. Smith reported Monday that members of Irving’s camp were upset with James’ camp, believing that they leaked the news of Irving’s request. On Tuesday, Smith said that he was told by a source that James would be tempted to “beat Kyrie’s ass” if they met face-to-face, upset that Irving has put him at the center of these trade rumors.

It’s a messy situation that seems to be getting worse, and one that will likely be resolved by Cleveland trading Kyrie to another team.

Irving is coming off the best season of his career. He posted career-high averages of 25.2 points per game and 47.3 percent shooting from the field in the regular season. The All-Star certainly looked like he could do big things with his own team at times during the playoffs, scoring 38 points in Game 3 of the NBA Finals and adding 40 points two nights later in Cleveland’s only victory against Golden State.

Irving scored 42 points in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, carrying the Cavs when James sat on the bench with four fouls. He’s a better player now than he was three years ago when he led Cleveland in scoring and James was still with the Miami Heat.

Different trade scenarios continue to be suggested, though there’s no indication that Cleveland is close to making a deal. Irving requested to be sent to the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat or Minnesota Timberwolves. The point guard doesn’t have a no-trade clause, and Cleveland will likely make the best trade possible, no matter where Irving might end up.

READ: Is Carmelo Anthony Interested In The Oklahoma City Thunder?

The Phoenix Suns figure to be a possible trade partner for Cleveland. They would be willing to part with Eric Bledsoe, rookie Josh Jackson and a future draft pick, according to ESPN.

Cleveland almost made a blockbuster trade in late June, but the Indiana Pacers pulled the plug on a trade that would have landed the Cavs Paul George in exchange for Kevin Love.