The NBA has given incumbent teams some leverage to keep their star players. However, 'restricted' free agency is not as powerful as it sounds-especially for Kyrie Irving.

The term 'restricted' free agent is somewhat of an oxymoron. To distinguish from an 'unrestricted' free agent, a restricted free agent has the same rights of an unrestricted to negotiate and sign with another team. The only difference is, the restricted free agent's original team has the right to match any offer, and if they choose to do so, the player has no choice to stay. (Basketball reference.com)

Players at the end of their rookie contract who do not sign extensions with the team that drafted end up in this category. Suffice to say, it can lead to some awkward and uncomfortable situations. But that's part of being a pro.

Kyrie Irving will be placed in that hole when the season ends. Highly rumored to be yearning for greener pastures, was almost always hounded by questions on whether he will sign an extension with the Cavs. Fans already know that anything less means he is not committed to the team. ESPN's Brian Windhorst explains:

"If Kyrie Irving truly wants to be on a different team next season he can probably make it happen.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will offer Irving a maximum contract extension once they're allowed to on July 1, and if he hasn't signed it by October, the team will likely be forced to trade him before the Oct. 31 deadline for third-year players to extend their contracts.

The Cavs aren't without leverage. They can match any deal offered if Irving hits restricted free agency in the summer of 2015, and they control his rights through summer 2016. Waiting out that period would cost Irving millions, not to mention open himself up to losing it all should some unforeseen major injury occur. For these reasons, no player in Irving's position has ever declined to a sign a maximum contract offer."

But the Cavs have a unique situation arising from the Lebron bolting in 2010. Their owner and the fans want no less than signing the extension.

The city scorned is putting its put down on Kyrie and this could be his ticket to freedom. If Kyrie refuses his extension, he will become the MVP-of the NBA trade rumor mill.