Kyrie Irving Reflects on His Departure from the Cavaliers
Kyrie Irving recently reflected on his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers, a move that generated substantial buzz during the summer of 2017. This transition occurred just a year after he and LeBron James helped secure Cleveland’s first NBA championship, with Irving famously sinking a crucial shot in game seven.
Rumors and Realities
At the time, rumors suggested that Irving was dissatisfied with trade discussions linking him to other teams, and there were unfounded claims that LeBron had not wanted Kyrie on the roster. However, Irving’s perspective on that period tends to diverge from the prevailing narrative; he holds no resentment towards LeBron and has expressed a willingness to collaborate with him again in the future.
Insights from a Twitch Stream
During a recent Twitch stream, he shared insights into the complexities of playing alongside a superstar like James.
“When you’re alongside someone like [James], it’s an entirely different experience. There’s heightened expectations to perform at an elite level every game, which draws considerable media attention, along with spinning narratives that often omit the behind-the-scenes issues. I was just a young player trying to find my way during that time. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy playing with him; it was simply my moment to move on,”
explained Irving.
Challenges of Transition
His transition from being the top pick in the draft and a beloved player in Cleveland to serving as LeBron’s second, sometimes third, option created a challenging environment for him. The young star was entering his fourth season as a professional when LeBron returned from his stint in Miami to bolster the Cavaliers.
Reflections on Early Career
Reflecting on his earlier career, Irving candidly admitted,
“As a young player on a team struggling to win, it’s easy to slip into bad habits. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to me during my early years. I didn’t handle losses well and often focused solely on scoring without contributing to team success. While my highlights were stunning to watch, my true desire always was to win.”
Subsequent Moves and Current Situation
Eventually, Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics, where his initial success dwindled into disappointment. Afterward, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets to partner with Kevin Durant, but the duo couldn’t achieve the high expectations set for them. Now, he finds himself in Dallas, where he’s teaming up with Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg, although he is anticipated to miss a large portion of the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL injury sustained in March.
Future Speculations
There’s ongoing speculation regarding a potential reunion with LeBron in Dallas come summer 2026, especially in light of recent cryptic social media posts made by both stars. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that Irving is currently in a much healthier frame of mind compared to the tumultuous times of their previous collaboration.
