Dan Gilbert reflected back upon the Kyrie Irving trade in 2017 this week.

Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers and they obliged despite him having two seasons remaining on his contract.

“It becomes a melting snowball,” said Gilbert. “We had to trade him when we did. What team would want Kyrie with only one year on his contract knowing he could leave after the season? You won’t get much back (under those circumstances).”

Gilbert also alluded to the possibility of Irving sitting out the 17-18 season.

“The agent was telling us, if we don’t trade him, there is some surgery he is on the borderline of having on his knee,” said Gilbert. “It was possible he could be out for most of the year. It turned out to be true.”

Irving missed the 2018 playoffs and the Boston Celtics had a disappointing 18-19.

“I don’t know, but I think Kyrie will leave Boston,” said Gilbert. “We could have ended up with nothing. Looking back after all the moves Koby (Altman) made, we killed it in that trade.”

Gilbert noted the Irving trade with Boston led to the Cavs adding Collin Sexton, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.