Everybody knows I hate Irving's game, for the reasons ambchang mentioned, but the Cavs don't really have a choice in this matter, it's an easy decision, tbh..
The Cavs don't have the luxury of over-analyzing and going a different route, even if it's potentially the correct move, and probable that signing Irving to a long-term contract will limit their ceiling to a 2nd/3rd round team(in the East)..the Cavs have to take into consideration that they need to keep their fanbase happy and they can't afford to face the media scrutiny..
- They have been terrible since Lebron left
- They have blown most of their lottery picks: Thompson's ceiling is a good 3rd big, Bennett is a huge bust and Waiters can't get along with their best player, on and off the court
- They just missed the playoffs in one of the worst conferences in NBA history
A team with that type of recent history can't afford to face the scrutiny of allowing their best player to leave, tbh..