How Cavs, Spurs handled trade demands by stars is worlds apart

During the offseason, the second-best player on a championship contender went to management and requested a trade. Despite being on one of the league's best teams and playing alongside one of the league's best players, he said he wasn't enjoying himself. He wasn't happy with his role in the offense. The team knew he was unhappy but was stunned he was this unhappy.

This is the story of Kyrie Irving, and the story of LaMarcus Aldridge.

Their cases and circumstances were different, of course. But the most relevant difference may have been how their franchises reacted. Specifically, how the organizational stability with the San Antonio Spurs allowed them to manage their unpleasant development.…