Cavs struggling on the court after latest blowout loss.
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving has insisted that he expects to be with the franchise for a “long time” after more speculation that he wants out.
The Cavaliers have been struggling this season despite the promise of young talents and the addition of Luol Deng, with their heavy 117-86 loss to the New York Knicks again bringing into question Irving’s long-term future with the franchise.
“I’m in Cleveland. I enjoy myself. I enjoy going out and competing at the highest level for the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Irving said, as reported by ESPN.
“It’s not about me and it’s not about this controversy — ‘Do I privately want out when my contract is up?’ I’m still in my rookie contract and I’m happy to be here. And I’m pretty sure I’m going to be here for a long time,” he added.
Irving was involved in a verbal altercation with Dion Waiters earlier this season, and the back-court duo have failed to regularly produce this season which has led to disappointment in the front office.
Having been selected as an All-Star again, Irving is averaging 21.5 points and 6.2 assists for the Cavs this season, but he has been unable to prevent them from slipping to 16-30.
The 21-year-old has one year left on his current contract and would then be a restricted free agent if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Cavs before the start of next season.
Irving has yet to decide on whether or not he will sign the extension, but Cleveland can’t officially offer him a new deal until July 1 where his future will undoubtedly become clearer.
The Cavaliers point guard is regarded as one of the future superstars of the league, and the team will be eager to tie him down with a new long-term contract as soon as possible.
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