Former Cavaliers GM David Griffin: Kyrie Irving’s trade request courageous

David Griffin has plenty of insight into handling Kyrie Irving.

What does the former Cavaliers general manager make of Irving’s trade request?

Griffin on ESPN:

I don’t think this is youth and ignorance. This is a guy who handled the situation like he was supposed to. He went to Dan Gilbert privately, told him that he thought he would happier somewhere else. The absolute worst thing this guy could have done was pretend to be all in and sink the ship within. Most guys don’t have the courage to do what he did. So, that’s not youth and ignorance. That’s a little bit more courage than people give him credit for.

I agree with Griffin.

I might value playing for a championship contender above all else. You might value playing for a championship contender above all else. Irving needn’t necessarily share our values.

He has seemingly been up front with the Cavs, and – far as we know – never threated to become unprofessional if they don’t trade him. Remember, Irving’s trade request stayed under wraps for weeks. It seems unlikely he or his camp leaked it.

I do wonder how Griffin would explain the situation if he were still running Cleveland’s front office, though. It’s easier to be understanding when Irving’s decision no longer affects you directly. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and new general manager Koby Altman struck a different tone about Irving’s request.