Kyrie Irving pens farewell note to Cleveland, but doesn’t mention LeBron James

MANILA, Philippines – With the blockbuster deal between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics finalized, all-star guard Kyrie Irving took to social media to share his penned farewell for the Cleveland community and Cavaliers fans on Thursday, August 31 (Friday in Manila).

On his Instagram account, Irving took the time to thank the individuals he had met along his journey with the Cavs, and all those who have supported him since he was drafted as the first overall pick back in 2011 – but made no special mention of LeBron James.

“My special thank you to Cleveland” *Link in Bio. My love extends way beyond the court I have for Cleveland and it will always be a place thats special because of the great people and experiences. The Ups and downs, we stand and fight no matter what the circumstances are, and that's what being in Cleveland embodies, it is all Love and a whole lotta pride. To the incredible individuals I've met who support the Cleveland organization and help allow us as Players to feel a special bond to the State/City and shared countless moments with, keep being YOU and know that my appreciation is eternal. Thank you From my whole being for being there as I was a 19 year old kid coming into the league, to now where I start another step in the journey as a 25 year old Evolving man. It will Always be Love and respect Cleveland. “The journey is always the Reward” #KyrieWick

A post shared by Kyrie Irving (@kyrieirving) on Aug 31, 2017 at 10:04am PDT

“My love extends way beyond the court I have for Cleveland and it will always be a place that’s special because of the great people and experiences,” Irving wrote.

“Thank you From my whole being for being there as I was a 19 year old kid coming into the league, to now where I start another step in the journey as a 25 year old Evolving man. It will Always be Love and respect Cleveland.”

The playmaker also released a 4-minute video, via ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, where he explained his decision to leave the organization. 

VIDEO: A (fresh-faced) @KyrieIrving speaks, now that the deal to the Celtics is finally done. Thanks Cleveland, says "the journey continues" pic.twitter.com/leFoxAIkX2

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) August 31, 2017

“There are no other ulterior reasons other than being happy and to be somewhere you feel like it’s an environment that’s conducive for you maximizing your potential,” he shared on the video.

“And when you get to that point and you understand that the best intentions for you and ultimately to be in your truth, and find out what you really want to do in your life and how you want to accomplish it – that moment comes and you take full advantage of it.”

Irving went on to express his gratitude for the franchise that “took a chance” on him since he was 19.

“They took a chance on a 19-year-old kid that was coming off a stubbed right toe, of being in a very, very immature place at the time,” he furthered.

In his 6 seasons – including 3 Finals appearances – with Cleveland, Irving put up averages of 21.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game.

He is headed to the Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, a 2018 first-round pick through the Brooklyn Nets, and a 2020 second-round pick. – Rappler.com