In 2017, Kyrie Irving surprised many in the basketball community by requesting a trade away from the Cleveland Cavaliers, seeking to escape the shadow of LeBron James. At that time, NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported that Irving no longer wanted to play the subordinate role often described as “Robin” to James’ “Batman.” The Cavaliers ultimately agreed to trade him to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and a first-round draft pick.
On Wednesday, Irving addressed the reasons behind his departure during a livestream on Twitch. He stated that his exit was a personal decision rather than a reaction to any issues with James or the team.
“I love Cleveland. I’m appreciative of all the things that they’ve done for me. … It’s not that I disliked playing with Bron [James] at any time, it was just literally my time to move on, and that’s what people gotta accept. It was my decision.”
At the time of Irving’s trade request, the Cavaliers had just finished their fourth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals in June 2017. Around a month later, Irving asked GM Koby Altman to facilitate a trade. According to reports, his preferred destinations included the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
LeBron James’ Perspective on Irving’s Departure
Before the Cavaliers’ training camp in September 2017, LeBron James shared his thoughts on Irving’s decision, expressing that he had tried to support the younger player fully. James also revealed that when the time was right, he intended to hand Irving the leadership reins of the franchise.
During his introductory press conference as a Boston Celtic, Irving declined to respond directly to James’ comments, noting that any conversation between them regarding the situation was private and should remain so.
Now, eight years after leaving Cleveland, Irving has opened up about the decision that shocked the NBA, emphasizing his personal agency in making the move.
Reflection on Championship Potential Had Irving Stayed
Irving departed Cleveland just one year after helping LeBron James secure the franchise’s first NBA championship, leading many fans and analysts to speculate on what might have been if he had stayed. During an episode of the I AM ATHLETE podcast in May 2022, Irving addressed those questions candidly.
“If I was in the same maturity line and understanding of who I am [now], and I look back, we definitely, definitely would’ve won more championships.”
He added that his ideal scenario would have involved better communication and understanding between himself and James. Instead, Irving acknowledged that he distanced himself from James and other teammates, which affected team dynamics and perhaps his own development.
Since leaving Cleveland, Irving has found it challenging to replicate the postseason success he enjoyed alongside James. He reached the NBA Finals again in 2024 while playing for the Dallas Mavericks but was defeated by the Boston Celtics in five games.
Significance of Irving’s Decision and What Lies Ahead
Kyrie Irving’s choice to leave the Cavaliers marked a pivotal moment in his career and reshaped his legacy in the NBA. While it ended a highly successful partnership with LeBron James, it also demonstrated Irving’s desire to forge his own path. His reflections highlight the complexity of player dynamics and the importance of maturity and communication in achieving team success.
As Irving continues his career with the Mavericks, observers will watch closely to see if he can redefine his role and reach championship heights independently. Meanwhile, the legacy of his time in Cleveland remains a significant chapter in NBA history, illustrating how individual decisions can alter the course of franchises and careers alike.