“Kyrie wanted to beat LeBron”: Iman Shumpert explains why Irving requested trade from Cavaliers

Kyrie Irving is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history. His combination of elite ball-handling, deep shooting range, and clutch performance has cemented his status as a future Hall of Famer. Over the course of his career, Irving has dazzled fans and analysts alike, routinely making shots that seem impossible and breaking defenses with his quickness and agility, despite his relatively smaller stature for an NBA guard.

Irving’s skill set was on full display during the 2016 NBA Finals, where he helped the Cleveland Cavaliers stage one of the most historic comebacks in league history. Trailing the Golden State Warriors 3–1 in the series, Irving and the Cavaliers orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to claim Cleveland’s first NBA Championship. His clutch three-pointer in Game 7, over Stephen Curry’s outstretched hand, remains one of the defining moments of his career and a symbol of his ability to perform under pressure.

However, just a year after reaching the pinnacle of success in Cleveland, Irving shocked the basketball world by requesting a trade from the Cavaliers in July 2017. The decision was widely debated, as it came only a year after his championship triumph alongside LeBron James, the team’s superstar and face of the franchise. Reports at the time suggested that the then 25-year-old Irving no longer wanted to play in LeBron’s shadow. Instead, he sought the opportunity to be the centerpiece of a team — a chance to lead as the primary star, which would have been difficult to achieve in Cleveland.

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The dynamics of the Cavaliers’ locker room and Irving’s motivations were recently discussed by former teammate Iman Shumpert, who was part of Cleveland’s 2016 championship squad. Speaking on the “Club Shay” podcast, Shumpert offered insight into Irving’s mindset and why the young guard desired a move away from LeBron’s influence.

“If you know Kyrie, Kyrie is a Kobe guy. Kyrie wanted to beat LeBron, and that’s okay. People be like, ‘Man that was dumb. I would have —’ Yeah, you would have. You would have teamed up. That’s who you are. That’s not Kyrie. Kyrie is like, ‘The only way I can be crowned the best is to beat the best,’” Shumpert explained.

“Kyrie is like the only way I can be crowned the best is to beat the best. I got to go head to head with you. I can’t team up with you. … Ky will not concede telling LeBron he’s better than him.” – @imanshumpert pic.twitter.com/jYwUp4Q5C7

— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) February 27, 2026

He continued, offering a colorful analogy to describe the situation: “You at your momma crib. And then they just bring you a new brother, and your mama like, ‘Well you is the one that get to have the house key and do whatever you want. You get to drive the car. You got a new brother now.

“For people not to understand that’s what happened, and then be like, ‘Oh, he should have put his pride to the side?’ Why? What’s wrong with that? Bron is great, Kyrie wanted to beat him. Kyrie wanted you all to have to say, ‘I beat LeBron on the biggest stage ever,’” Shumpert added.

Shumpert’s perspective sheds light on Irving’s competitive fire and his desire to establish his own legacy separate from LeBron James, whom many consider one of the greatest players in NBA history. While some fans criticized Irving at the time for leaving a championship-caliber team, understanding his mindset puts his decision into context: Irving was not merely seeking personal glory; he wanted to prove that he could conquer the league’s very best on his own terms.

Indeed, Irving’s career following the trade has reflected this mindset. While he faced challenges adjusting to new teams and systems, his talent remained undeniable. In Boston, he led the Celtics to deep playoff runs and became the centerpiece of their offense. Later, in Brooklyn, Irving continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess, ball-handling wizardry, and ability to dominate critical moments — all hallmarks of the same player who hit one of the most iconic shots in Finals history.

Irving’s story illustrates the delicate balance between team success and individual legacy in professional sports. While championships define careers for some, personal growth, competitive drive, and the desire to test oneself against the very best can equally shape a player’s journey.

As Irving continues his career, fans and analysts alike are reminded that his decisions — from the 2017 trade to the moments of brilliance on the court — are driven by an insatiable desire to compete at the highest level. Whether in Cleveland, Boston, Brooklyn, or wherever he plays next, Kyrie Irving remains a player whose talent, ambition, and unyielding competitive spirit define his path in the NBA.

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