Before Kyrie Irving approached Dan Gilbert on July 7th about a trade, the Cleveland Cavaliers had become worried about his mindset.

David Griffin had several conversations with Irving throughout the year and worked to improve the situation. 

Irving's frustration with LeBron James is largely rooted in game play. The ball has been out of Irving's hands, and in James', more than he preferred.

Irving also was frustrated with how Randy Mims, a close friend of James, has a position on the Cavaliers' staff and travels on the team plane.

Several times during the Cavs' playoff run, Irving had long, intense conversations with James as they tried to get the team into a groove following a choppy and inconsistent regular season, sources said.

The Cavaliers were unable to hold exit meetings with their players as they were focused on Griffin's future.