Opportunities to trade for a star-level player not yet in their physical prime are exceedingly rare in the NBA. Outside of special circumstances, like the financial factors that coerced Oklahoma City to move on from James Harden, most teams will cling to young talent as long as they can.
The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t appear to have a choice in the situation that is unfolding with Kyrie Irving. Sure, they could call his bluff and force him to play out this season—and potentially more—in a Cavs uniform, alongside a player who he apparently is no longer interested in playing with.