This is often the case. A team of three superstars (two of whom have been MVPs in recent years) is, on paper, one of the top contenders in the NBA. In reality, the team shakes all year, one leader leaves, then a second one demands a trade, someone who is basically afraid to play now comes in. The team barely makes it through the playoffs only to get swept 0-4 in the first round. As they say, what could go wrong in such a situation?
After that, the club's main star demands a trade and names a list of the top teams in the regular season where he's willing to go. It just begs the conclusion that all of this was done in order to get a better contract for Irving and continue to fight for the playoffs, there can be no other explanation.
What about this version?