Though LeBron James told the Cavaliers not to trade Kyrie Irving during the summer of 2017, it appears he made no effort to bring him back into the fold following his request.
Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com had this to say on 92.3 The Fan Cleveland:
Let’s be honest: LeBron didn’t do anything, until they were going to trade him, to try to keep him here. He didn’t try to talk to him. He didn’t try to mend the fences. It wasn’t until they said, “LeBron, we’re giving him to Boston” is when he said, “No, no don’t do that.”
When it came out, there was a month – a whole month – before anybody had any idea that the trade was going to be to Boston. LeBron didn’t do anything. There was no love lost between them.
However LeBron had a suggestion for the Cleveland brass- trading Irving to Portland for Damian Lillard.
According to Ric Bucher of the Bleacher Report:
League sources say that when James became convinced Irving couldn’t be persuaded to stay in Cleveland, he suggested to the Cavs front office that it deal Irving to the Blazers for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. The Cavs never called the Blazers
Here is what the Trail Blazers All-Star had to say this to say about playing with LeBron:
“I love where I am. I play for a great organization. I’m not looking for nothing. I think we’d complement each other well, but the only way that ever happens is if my team decides they don’t want me no more. I’m trying to build something here.”
Blazer fans breathe easy, it seems Dame time will stay in the Pacific Northwest-at least for now.
