"Don’t let me go to Cleveland": Cade Cunningham Sends Shockwaves After Boldly Throwing Shade at LeBron James' Former Team

Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham appeared on Kevin Durant's “Boardroom” show on Monday. Durant, a big fan of the No. 1 pick of the 2021 draft, invited the point guard for his brand’s November cover story. KD coaxed out of Cunningham raw and unfiltered answers.

When asked if Cunningham preferred to play for an NBA team heading into the draft, the former Oklahoma State star said, “No.” However, Cunningham opened up about his thoughts during the lottery:

“Whenever the lottery was happening, and it started coming down, its final three is Cleveland, Houston and Detroit. I’m like, ‘Don't let me go to Cleveland [Cavaliers].”

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When Kevin Durant pressed Cade Cunningham to give his reason, Cunningham answered that he wasn’t too sure about it. The All-Star guard added that it might have been the blue and red of the Pistons that attracted him or the history of the franchise.

Cunningham continued:

“I was a big Bron [James] fan growing up, but I’m not trying no Cleveland.”

Cade Cunningham explained that he was hesitant to go to Houston since he is from Arlington, Texas. According to him, it could get “tricky” being four hours away from home, as he did not want to deal with distractions.

The Pistons, the Rockets and the Orlando Magic all had 14% chances of winning the 2021 lottery. Cleveland and Oklahoma City, both with 11.5% odds, and Toronto (7.5%) rounded out the top 6 teams.

Detroit, which won the lottery, grabbed Cade Cunningham first while Jalen Green went to Houston at No. 2. Cleveland gladly took Evan Mobley next before Toronto went for Scottie Barnes, the eventual Rookie of the Year winner. The Magic settled for Jalen Suggs while the Thunder picked Josh Giddey at No. 6.

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Cavaliers fans troll Cade Cunningham after admitting he wanted to avoid Cleveland

Cade Cunningham’s candid response about team preference during the draft lottery went viral. Fans reacted when he said that he would be happy to play anywhere except in Cleveland.

"Cavs fans ain’t gonna like this lmao."

One fan said:

Another fan added:

One more fan continued:

Another fan reacted:

The Pistons and the Cavaliers are in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference, making Cunningham’s comments highly intriguing. They will meet four times in the regular season and could likely clash in the playoffs.

One of Detroit’s two losses this season was against Cleveland in late October. Cunningham is now 2-for-11 in his career against the Cavaliers. Following Cunningham’s interview, the future meetings between the two teams will be even more exciting.

Edited by Michael Macasero