Report: Kyrie first requested trade before draft, wanted to play with Butler
The basketball world was rocked Friday by reports that Kyrie Irving had requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a meeting last week, apparently leaving Irving's teammate LeBron James - like most people - "blindsided" by the news.
However, the franchise may have known for some time that its starting point guard wants to go to somewhere he can feature more prominently on offense. The 25-year-old star first asked to be traded ahead of June's draft, hoping he'd be sent to the Chicago Bulls to team up with fellow All-Star Jimmy Butler, a league source told TNT's David Aldridge.
It was previously reported that before the Cavaliers parted ways with general manager David Griffin, the executive had been working on a three-team swap that would've brought Butler to Cleveland.
Looking back, that could've been an attempt to appease Irving and give the club a better chance of retaining its core - at least James and Irving - but now it's possible Griffin won't be the only person moving on from the organization.
Related: Irving's exit would kick-start Cavs' downfall
Butler was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft day, so it's likely no coincidence that Irving reportedly listed the T-Wolves as one of four preferred destinations.
Related: Which of Kyrie's 4 reported teams of interest is the best fit?
The two bonded as teammates on Team USA, winning gold in Rio last summer. Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns are both reportedly recruiting Irving and pushing management to swing a deal for the 2016 NBA champ.
Minnesota signed free agent Jeff Teague this offseason to run the point, but Irving is far more talented and accomplished. The four-time All-Star averaged a career-high 25.2 points on 47.3 percent shooting from the field and 40.1 percent from long range to go along with 5.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per contest last season.