The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly grumbling about the prospect of paying third-year guard Kyrie Irving a max contract, fueling speculation that the All-Star guard may ultimately move to force a deal that lands him closer to his New York City area roots.
The New York Daily News reports after a season in which Irving openly feuded with backcourt mate Dion Waiters and the Cavs again falling short of the Eastern Conference playoffs, management is letting it be known the franchise may not be inclined to offer the 22-year-old, third-year vet a long term extension this summer.
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While the Cavs are on record in asserting they don't want to lose this year's All-Star Game MVP, The News speculates Irving's camp could use the perceived contract slight as motivation to force the East Orange New Jersey product's way out of town.
Besides this year's locker room troubles, Irving's three years in Cleveland have been marred by complaints of his immaturity, including his difficulty in getting along with some of his teammates. Already this offseason, the Cavs have fired coach Mike Brown after just one season.
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News of Irving's latest rift with management puts a damper on what up to now has been a pleasant offseason for the Cavs. Just last week, the team secured the top overall pick in next month's draft, marking the third time in the last four years the team has done so. The Cavs are now expected to make their selection from a trio of Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins
Irving averaged 21 points and six assists for the Cavs last season.
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