Kyrie Irving Trade Rumors: Star Was Interested in Bulls Before Jimmy Butler Move

With Kyrie Irving's future up in the air, the All-Star point guard reportedly had interest in joining the Chicago Bulls before Jimmy Butler was dealt. 

ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported Irving's interest in being traded to the Bulls until Butler was shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night. 

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Irving informed the Cleveland Cavaliers during a meeting last week that he wants to be traded. 

The Bulls received Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen from the Timberwolves in the deal for Butler, signaling the start of the franchise's rebuilding efforts after last season's disappointing 41-41 record. 

Irving started his career playing for a Cavaliers team going through a rebuild. He was the face of the franchise for his first three NBA seasons after being the No. 1 draft pick in 2012.

LeBron James' return to the Cavs in the summer of 2014 led to a dramatic turn of fortune. The franchise has made the NBA Finals each of the last three seasons, including winning an NBA title in 2016. 

Irving is still an integral part of Cleveland's success, but Windhorst noted the 25-year-old wants to be "more of a focal point" for an organization moving forward.