J.R. Smith hopes Kyrie stays with Cavaliers
Warning: Story contains coarse language
Kyrie Irving may want to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers, but his teammates don't want to see him go.
After reports surfaced that the All-Star point guard asked to be traded, a quote circulated Sunday from an unnamed teammate saying he wants Irving to remain on the squad because with him, they're "pretty f----ing good."
A Twitter user suspected the anonymous Cav was none other than shooting guard J.R. Smith.
At least one Cavs player doesn't understand why Kyrie wants to leave. pic.twitter.com/s8LdRSryQN
— theScore (@theScore) July 23, 2017
I will bet my last dollar @TheRealJRSmith said this 😂😂💯 https://t.co/CeVTs9ycVS
— Woah Woah🔋🔋 (@_TooEasyBlack) July 24, 2017
Smith replied, saying it wasn't his quote, but he does agree with it.
I didn't say it but I feel the same way whoever did. SMH https://t.co/q3kiZvViXp
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) July 24, 2017
Teammate LeBron James was reportedly blindsided and devastated when he learned of the trade request, but it's believed he won't try to intervene and change his co-star's mind.
Related: Kyrie reportedly wants more touches, special treatment like LeBron
The Cavaliers have made three consecutive trips to the NBA Finals, and captured the franchise's first championship in 2016 while also ending the city of Cleveland's 52-year title drought. Although they'd no doubt love to keep Irving around, people within the organization reportedly believe it's "almost inevitable" that he'll be on the move.