The Cleveland Cavaliers and their franchise players are facing another murky future together and the Cavs are no stranger to this kind of situation.

The Cavaliers, who were once perennial title contenders, suddenly took a downward spiral after their former superstar LeBron James bolted out of Cleveland via free agency.

The struggling team could face the same situation in the coming seasons with their current superstar and franchise player, Kyrie Irving, who is reportedly becoming unhappy in Cleveland.

ESPN Chad Ford noted in his latest chat session that the All-Star point guard has been telling people close to him that he wants out of Cleveland mainly because of the Cavaliers' failure to reach the playoffs in his first two years in the NBA—a skid that could be extended this season.

"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," Ford said.

Ford quickly noted though that fans should not panic at this point, considering that Irving is still playing under his rookie contract. NBA analysts previously said that the new collective bargaining agreement is making it hard for players to leave their current team after their rookie contract.

"Don't overreact, much harder for players in their rookie contracts to leave," Ford told Cavaliers fans. "They have to take a much riskier path and essential sign a qualifying offer as a restricted free agent. Very few do it. And the Cavs are working to try to create a winning situation and culture to make him happy."

Ford also added that Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant is expected to aggressivly attempt to improve Irving's mood, because he knows his job is on the line this season.

Cavaliers team owner Dan Gilbert said last summer that the Cavaliers will not be a lottery team anymore this season, but they are on pace to miss the playoffs this season despite acquiring Luol Deng in a major deal with the Chicago Bulls.

"Virtually every GM in the league believes that Grant will be gone this summer if things don't get turned around this season. He doesn't have much time. The thinking is that there's no way Dan Gilbert is going to let him make another lottery pick if that's the direction the Cavs end up heading," Ford noted.