In a matter of 12 months, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost both LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
It’s been a rough year for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Only a year ago, the team had two of the best players in franchise history on the roster at the same time. LeBron James contributions speak for themselves. But nobody seems to truly understand how important Kyrie Irving was to this franchise.
After James left for Miami in 2010, the Cavaliers were hopeless. Then, the Cavaliers drafted Kyrie Irving. Irving went on to average 18.5 points and 5.4 assists and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. In the next few seasons, Irving would continue to shine. In the 2012-13 NBA season, Irving was selected to his first All-Star game.
Next year, Irving won the All-Star Game’s Most Valuable Player award.
At only 21 years of age, Irving had proven to be one of the brightest stars in the league. At the end of the 2013-14 NBA season, Irving signed a 5-year max contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Irving was ready to lead the Cavaliers as far as he could take them.
Then, LeBron James came back home and took over. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Cleveland Cavaliers were now James’ team. James is arguably the greatest player of all time and more than earned the right to be the head of the team.
Irving and James became an amazing duo. Together, these two players were able to end the 50-year title drought and bring a championship to the city of Cleveland.
But, Irving never wanted to be a sidekick. Irving never intended on being the second best player on a team. He felt the need to challenge himself and be his own man. So, Irving requested a trade.
Now, a year later, James has left the Cleveland Cavaliers again. For the second time this decade, the Cavaliers are hopeless. However, there is something the Cavaliers can do to bring Irving back home.
Minnesota star, Jimmy Butler, has expressed his frustration with the Timberwolves. Butler and Irving have both made it clear that they are interested in playing together. Therefore, the Cavaliers should trade Kevin Love for Butler as soon as possible.
Then, next season when Irving is a free agent, they should attempt to persuade Irving to return.
Irving should have no problem coming back to Cleveland in this situation. He would unquestionably be the leader of the team. This is the only thing Irving ever wanted. Furthermore, he would be teaming up with Butler, a player he has been asking to play with for quite some time.
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This could be all Cleveland needs to get this franchise back on track.