NBA Rumors: Latest on LeBron James, Kyrie Irving Trade and More

When the Kevin Durant-led Golden State Warriors took down the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals, few thought the ensuring arms race would include everyone but LeBron James and his superteam.   

Hindsight might end up telling the story as the downfall of the Cavaliers, the defeat a self-destruct of epic proportions rather than the team rallying and making a big splash to serve a counter punch to the Warriors.

Before last week, at worst it looked like the Cavaliers would remain standing still—before the Kyrie Irving rumors flared up out of nowhere.

Now the entire league looks chaotic in a way reminiscent of free agency initially opening. Here's the latest on the odd, must-see saga seemingly ready to change the league as we know it.

Sacramento's Role in the Fray

John Locher/Associated Press

The revelation Irving told the Cavaliers he wants out of town, according to ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst, has sparked all kinds of subsequent rumors involving teams around the league.

A rumor is truly crazy when it at least attempts to loop in the Sacramento Kings and doesn't involve a guy named DeMarcus Cousins. 

According to James Ham of CSNBayArea.com, the Kings don't have an interest in dealing rookie point guard De’Aaron Fox in exchange for Irving: "The 19-year-old is considered the future of the franchise at the point guard position and according to the source, any rumor of the team offering him in a deal are false."

It's interesting the initial idea even popped up considering the Kings aren't on Irving's apparent four-team wish list, which according to ESPN.com's Chris Haynes, includes the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.

But there is another factor in this crazy development—Irving doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract like LeBron. If the Cavaliers want to take the best possible deal, the front office can ship him wherever they want without being blocked.

Regardless, in this instance it's hard to know if the Kings even have the assets to pull off the move. The Cavaliers might seek out more of a win-now piece, whereas Fox looks like a long-term prospect who currently slots well next to guys like George Hill, Buddy Hield and Willie Cauley-Stein.

Then again, crazier things have happened.

A Look Behind the Trade Request

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Cavaliers fans likely have the simplest question of all—why?

Reasons likely abound, though it's important to keep two things in mind about Irving before proceeding: even a 25-year-old player like Irving can have the foresight to plan for the long-term future and he can have more than one motivation at once.

Those details out of the way, the first rumbling about Irving's reasoning for the abrupt request came from ESPN.com's Adrian Wojnarowski, who revealed the star point guard has "become increasingly uneasy about a future that includes a roster constructed to complement LeBron James—a roster that could be devoid of James come free agency in 2018,."

Before diving into details there, let's jump right into the next revelation, which includes a potential misstep by one of the league's most chaotic front offices.

According to Ramona Shelburne, Dave McMenamin and Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, the Cavaliers shopped Irving at the deadline for Paul George and Jimmy Butler: "Some of these talks included Irving, which upset him even more when he found out about it, sources said. Previously, Griffin had worked to keep lines of communication with Irving open, but now Irving was in the dark."

On one hand, if the Cavaliers wanted to make a big splash and reel in another superstar, Irving is arguably the only trade chip other teams will want and his coming up in discussions is a part of the business all players have to deal with.

But his value as a trade chip is also something Irving can take advantage of if he doesn't like the long-term outlook around him.

Which, on its head, isn't hard to explain. Irving might better benefit from a different style of offense which runs through him, not a player like LeBron. He, like anyone else in the greater Cleveland area, has to worry about LeBron up and leaving the team again if he chooses to opt out next summer.

About that.

What it Means for LeBron

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Lost in all this is what the entire situation means for LeBron and how it might impact the long-term outlook of the franchise.

After all, the Windhorst report from above described LeBron as "blindsided and disappointed" about the development, which could lead some to think it makes opting out next summer and trying to compete elsewhere easier.

For now, at least, that doesn't seem to be the case.

According to Haynes, LeBron won't waive his no-trade clause no matter what happens: "The four-time MVP winner, according to sources, is focused solely on competing for a championship as a member of the Cavs and will fulfill his contractual obligations, whatever unexpected circumstances may arise."

Call it a bit of good news for the Cavaliers and their fans at an otherwise miserable time. These things can change fast, but it's important to keep in mind if LeBron chooses to stick around, he's one heck of a bargaining chip when it comes to helping the team lure in potential big-name free agents—and George and other big names hit the open market next summer. 

Of course, if Irving is gone and it doesn't seem like another superstar will come to town, LeBron could just as easily hit the market and join another well-built contender. He's already slowing down on the defensive end of the court and at 32, the days of his carrying offenses on his own are limited, so his seeking out a team with more talent than the Cavaliers is understandable.

This is all speculation for now, though it's hard to think Irving's situation won't impact LeBron's plans whatsoever. It's the right thing many will want to hear now, though hindsight might end up telling a different tale.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.