I remember reading a couple years ago that Irving was not at all pleased that Lebron came back to Cleveland, because he (Irving) was wanting to be the lead banana. But he kept his mouth shut for the most part because they won a title and LBJ was the favored son. But with Cleveland not doing anything this offseason, and the GM leaving, Irving probably sees the writing on the wall. For example:
If LBJ leaves in free agency, the whole team is still way over the cap with nowhere near good enough players to truthfully win win, and Irving would be stuck (like Westbrook) on a mediocre team.
If LBJ stays, Irving will never be able to get out of LBJ's shadow like he wants to, and chances are, the team is so strapped cash-wise, and so void of seriously high end talent after LBJ and himself, they likely won't win again.
So, I get it, honestly.
I think the teams rumored (including Minnesota) to be his favored destinations are a longshot, except for Miami and San Antonio. Those two seem plausible to me. New York won't part with Porzingis, and Cleveland wants more than Carmelo and a first rounder. And Minnesota -- the Wolves can't part with Teague until Dec. 15, since he was signed as a free agent, and there's no way they are parting with Wiggins. So, I think that's a nonstarter. As for Boston -- I don't see Cleveland wanting Thomas, and I don't think you pair Irving and Thomas in the backcourt. While Boston has the picks and young talent Cleveland might want, I just don't think they'd pull the trigger.
It'd be interesting if San Antonio offered Aldridge, a first rounder, and say Patty Mills. *I* wouldn't do that trade if I was Cleveland's GM, but I could see them wanting to get something. Miami doesn't have enough talent, IMO, to get Irving. Unless, of course, the Heat decide to just ante up their next couple of first round picks and Whiteside. But Whiteside has to be someone that Irving would want to play with, so that makes no sense.
Simply put, I think LBJ and Irving are GONE. The franchise knows it, and now other teams know it, and guys want out. Would not surprise me one iota of Dan Gilbert gave the OK on a complete fire sale with the eye on picks and young talent.