Since LeBron James returned to Cleveland, Kyrie Irving has experienced a massive amount of individual and team success, including winning the franchise’s first ever NBA title in 2016.However, the point guard is apparently tired of playing second fiddle to LeBron.On Friday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst broke a shocking story regarding Irving’s desire to leave Cleveland in the hopes of becoming the face of a franchise elsewhere.If it’s hard to believe that Irving wants to separate himself from King James, think again. That, according to Windhorst’s NBA sources, is the driving force behind Irving’s desire to leave town.Last week, Irving and his agent Jeff Wechsler sat down with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, among others, and reportedly listed four teams that he'd like to be traded to: the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Miami Heat or Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wechsler didn’t confirm Irving’s intentions from the meeting, but didn’t deny them either.

"Kyrie and I had a meeting with Cavs leadership where we discussed many different scenarios in reference to Kyrie and his future with the team," Wechsler told ESPN. "The basis of those discussions and what went on in those discussions are between the Cavs and us. We are respectfully going to keep those private.”

Just days ago, Irving told Sports Illustrated that his team was in a very confusing place this summer. "I understand we're in a very peculiar place," Irving told the magazine. "We just have to, you know, make sure that all our pieces are aligned first, and then we go from there. It's the summertime, a lot of craziness going on in the NBA. Best to just observe and then see what happens, but obviously there are some things that I'm pretty sure our organization wants to do, and we'll go from there.”

Windhorst reported that LeBron was “blindsided and disappointed” after hearing the news. It was also reported that Irving spoke to some of his other teammates about his desire to leave, but James wasn’t one of them.

Interestingly, Irving would likely be the undeniable face of just two of the four teams that he listed. The Spurs are led by 2016-2017 MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard, who is considered perhaps the best two-way player in the entire NBA. The Timberwolves are headlined by newcomer Jimmy Butler and young duo Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. 

Therefore, Irving's desire to leave LeBron might outweigh his desire to become the main go-to player somewhere else.

The point guard would, however, assume the role of the unquestioned leader for both the Heat or Knicks.

It will be fascinating to see what transpires in Cleveland. Since LeBron’s departure at the end of next season has been well-documented and discussed for months now, Irving might simply want to bolt now so he doesn’t get left in the dust next summer.