Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers appear headed for a falling out. While Irving reportedly is unwilling to sign a long-term extension with the Cavaliers, the team reportedly doesn't see him as a "max contract" player.
A report over the weekend from Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News indicated Cleveland wasn't interested in signing Irving to a long-term contract largely because of character issues. NBA columnist Peter Vecsey, though, offered another angle on Cleveland's apparent refusal to offer Irving an extension.
"Contrary (to) report, reason Cavs won't offer Kyrie max extension: because they know he wouldn't accept (and) don't want (to) look bad," Vecsey tweeted on Monday.
Lawrence's report put the onus on Irving, saying Cleveland felt some character issues -- namely his inability to lead and him reported desire to play elsewhere -- as the reason Cleveland felt Irving was unworthy of a max contract.
"The Cavs are making noises that they aren't going to offer Kyrie Irving 'max money' this summer via a long-term extension," Lawrence wrote on Saturday. "They don't want to deal the 2014 All-Star Game MVP, but it could come to that, especially if the West Orange product and his family continue to tell people that he wants out.
"Irving hasn't been a leader in his first three seasons and he's also gained the unwelcomed reputation as a locker-room problem. Those are two reasons the Cavs don't see him as a max player."
Irving has been noncommittal about his future with the Cavaliers.
"Obviously, I'm aware I can be extended this summer," Irving said on April 16, via the News-Herald. "It's a big deal for me if they do offer me that. It will be exciting. I'll make the best decision for me and my family. That's what it boils down to."
