Kyrie Irving Admits Cleveland Cavaliers Sold LeBron James Return And Kevin Love Trade To Convince Him To Stay! LeBron James Already Had ‘Plan B’ If Heat Lost The Title!

How long has LeBron James planned his return to Cleveland? Longer than we thought! It seems like LeBron James already had Plan B set up as early as the NBA Finals as Kyrie Irving confesses.

Irving was a big question mark this season. Many fans were weary and uncertain as to whether he would stay or not. There was massive speculation that he would make a trade demand, allegedly to the Los Angeles Lakers where he was to join Kevin Love at the end of next season when he becomes a free agent.

There were many reasons for Kyrie to leave. There was the controversy between him and Dion Waiters. Also, just like Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving has yet to taste a whiff of postseason play. So it was logical for the two popular players would want to play together.

There were also hints that Irving would sign an extension but not for the full five years. A player option after two years was a reasonable assumption.

But that was all scratched with a fell swoop right in the very first day-nay, the first HOUR of free agency signing last July 1. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reveals the story:

"The Cavs and Kyrie Irving met in a Manhattan restaurant at one minute past midnight on July 1 - the first moment they could officially discuss signing a five-year, $90 million extension with their guard.

Owner Dan Gilbert and (GM David) Griffin talked big picture, and it had to sound more like a wild dream to Irving.

The Cavs would add Love and James. It really, really could happen, they insisted.

Really, Irving wondered.

Really, Gilbert and Griffin insisted."

If it was real, then the decision was a no-brainer.

David Griffin confirmed: "Kyrie bought in. That started everything. It created the momentum."

This leads to the conclusion that LeBron James already had Plan B, perhaps even before the Miami Heat lost the title. Maybe even at the first public meeting with Wade and Bosh after the Finals. Only the King knows for sure.