Following Kyrie Irving's trade request of the Cleveland Cavaliers, there is little chance of salvaging the relationship, according to sources.

Irving no longer wants to play with LeBron James and wants to carve out the next stage of his career despite being two seasons away from free agency.

Cleveland's highest priority is trading for Irving for a blue-chip young player. The Cavaliers want to remain title contenders next season while protecting themselves if James leaves in 2018.

The Cavaliers have taken note of how the Phoenix Suns traded Goran Dragic to the Miami Heat for two future first round picks instead of the relatively paltry compensation Paul George, Jimmy Butler and DeMarcus Cousins fetched.