Amongst rumors that Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Kyrie Irving wants to follow in the footsteps of LeBron James and leave Cleveland, the star player insisted that he likes being in Cleveland and hopes to stay with the team for a "long time."
According to ESPN, Irving said he enjoys being in Cleveland and would like to remain in a Cavs uniform.
"I'm in Cleveland. I enjoy myself. I enjoy going out and competing at the highest level for the Cleveland Cavaliers," Irving said after the Cavs' 117-86 loss to the New York Knicks, according to ESPN.
This is the second time this season that Irving had to address rumors about leaving a Cleveland fan base that has grown weary of stars getting a chance to leave ever since James made his infamous "decision" to leave the Cavaliers and play for the Miami Heat in the 2010 offseason.
Rumors had circulated Thursday that Irving wanted out, but he downplayed them following the team's game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
"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," Irving said per ESPN.
Irving, 21, was selected by the Cavaliers with the first overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, but the production between he and Dion Waiters--whom the team selected in the first round of the 2012 draft--hasn't been as good as the team had hoped. Irving even had a verbal altercation with teammates following a lopsided loss.
Irving has one more year left on his contract and can become a restricted free agent after that if he doesn't sign an extension. The Cavaliers are 16-30 so far this season and Irving has been a bright spot for them, averaging 21.5 points and 6.2 assists this season. Irving was voted as a starter for the 2014 All-Star Game in New Orleans next month.
Irving told ESPN he hasn't decided on an extension yet since the Cavaliers can't officially offer him a deal until July 1.
"I'm not saying anything to tell the future, but I'm pretty sure the relationship I have with [owner] Dan Gilbert and management extends off the court. I enjoy being here," Irving said via ESPN. "I'm still trying to get through this season. Everybody is trying to antagonize this team and put it on me to 'privately he wants out.' I'm here for my teammates, I'm here for Coach [Mike] Brown and the coaching staff and I'm going to play my heart out every single night for the Cleveland Cavaliers."
It remains to be seen if Irving's decision will affect the Cleveland fan base like James' did.
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