Kyrie Irving Trade Reportedly 'Almost Inevitable,' Unlikely to Save Relationship

Shortly after Kyrie Irving seemed likely to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers for years, a trade sending away the point guard now seems "inevitable," according to Zach Lowe of ESPN.

Lowe reports from the Cavaliers' perspective "there is little chance of salvaging their relationship with him," but the team is confident they can bring back a "king's ransom" in a potential trade.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN also reported Monday the team was fielding calls for the All-Star but aren't close to a deal.

Irving put in a trade request to the organization on July 7, according to a report from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Dave McMenamin and Brian Windhorst, which noted he was looking to be a primary option and wanted out of the shadow of LeBron James.

He also reportedly didn't appreciate being considered in possible trade scenarios for Jimmy Butler or Paul George.

The result was a request to be sent to one of the Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat or New York Knicks.

As Lowe noted, the team is currently searching for possible trades, hoping to get veterans to help contend for a title now as well as a young elite player and picks. While this would be a massive haul, the priority is apparently finding a "blue-chip young player." This would help kickstart a rebuilding process in case James leaves in free agency in 2018.

Considering the team reached the NBA finals this past season and won a championship two years ago, this could be a quick fall from the top for Cleveland.