NBA Free Agents 2014: Kyrie Irving Shrugs Off Latest Rumors, Says He Is Happy in Cleveland

Kyrie Irving played down recent reports suggesting that he wants to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers once he becomes a free agent due to their struggles this season.

In an interview with the Akron-Beacon Journal, Irving stressed that he never told anyone that he wants out of Cleveland, saying that their current struggles aren't bad enough to drive him to consider leaving the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft.

"There's been so much so-called reports coming out that I don't want to be here. That's what you guys get paid to do, but that's just so much negative attention," Irving said. "I know we're struggling, but it's not about me. It's about our team. It's about us fighting every day for each other and me fighting for my teammates."

Irving reiterated his previous statement that he is happy in Cleveland, and the All-Star point guard vowed to play at the highest level for the Cavaliers, who still have a good chance of making the playoffs for the first time in the post-LeBron James era.

The Cavaliers hold a measly 16-30 record, but they are just four games behind the Charlotte Bobcats, who currently occupy the eighth spot in the weak Eastern Conference with their 21-27 record.

The All-Star point guard, who could become a free agent when his rookie contract expires in the summer of 2015, added that he is looking forward to playing in front of Cavaliers fans for a long time.

"I'm in Cleveland. I enjoy myself. I enjoy going out and competing at the highest level for the Cleveland Cavaliers. That's what it's about," Irving said. "It's not about me and it's not about this controversy, 'Do I privately want out when my contract is up?' I'm still in my rookie contract and I'm happy to be here. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to be here for a long time."

The former Duke University standout added that his good relationship with Cavaliers executives, particularly team owner Dan Gilbert, will make it easier for him to decide to stay in Cleveland for the next several seasons.

Irving, who is averaging 21.6 points to go along with 6.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds, can sign a longterm extension with the Cavaliers in the offseason.