Report: Kyrie Irving privately saying he wants to leave Cleveland

According to ESPN's Chad Ford, Kyrie Irving may want out of Cleveland. (David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Cavaliers All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving has been telling people in private that he wants to leave Cleveland, according to ESPN's Chad Ford.

Irving, who was named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter last week, doesn't hit unrestricted free agency until 2016. But with the Cavs struggling at 16-29 this season -- three games outside the East's final playoff spot -- frustration is apparently mounting.

Ford was responding to a question in a Thursday online chat about the futures of Cavs GM Chris Grant and coach Mike Brown when he brought up Irving:

Grant's goal (via his owner) is to get this team competitive and into the playoffs. The Deng move was supposed to help. But so far ... nothing. Chemistry is a major issue there and some of that is on Mike Brown. But more of it is on the collection of players in Cleveland at the moment. Something has to happen quick. Kyrie Irving has been telling people privately he wants out. Cleveland can't afford to lose him and LeBron. They know the urgency. I expect them to be major players at the deadline.