Last week, news broke that the Cavaliers front office agreed to send Kyrie Irving to Boston. In return, the Celtics would send two-time All-Star isaiah thomas, forward Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the unprotected 2018 first-round pick (via Brooklyn Nets) to Cleveland.
Initial reports suggested that the Cavaliers were weighing their options after evaluating Thomas’ injury last Friday. A day later, ESPN sources revealed that the Cavaliers are planning to seek an additional asset to complete the trade or else they might decide to veto the trade.
The two teams can extend the trade deadline which is set this Thursday as per league rules if they need additional time to discuss the trade.
However, league sources revealed that the Cavaliers will try to make a case about Thomas’ injury whether or when can he play this season among others.
The Celtics have the capability to add one or even two draft picks if agreed upon. However, Cavs asking for additional trade asset somehow gave a negative impact on the gravity of Isaiah Thomas’ injury.
Isaiah Thomas injury update
In late July, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told the Boston Globe that Thomas has been making good progress since he reinjured his hip during the Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Ainge added that Thomas was seen running full-speed on the stationary bike and has been working in the swimming pool.
After more than two months of rest since the injury happened, Ainge believes that Thomas, who opted not to undergo surgery, is “progressing nicely.” Yet his return to the hard court remains questionable. Even Celtics head coach Brad Stevens was uncertain about the exact timeline of Thomas’ return. The two-time All-Star point guard was scheduled to undergo another follow-up physical test this September.
Winning end of the bargain
When Irving’s request to be traded went public, the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly received inquiries from 20 teams in acquiring the three-time All-Star point guard. They entertained and listened to every offer. Somehow, the Cavaliers front office has learned the lessons from the way Indiana Pacers dealt Paul George back in June.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert believed the Pacers could have done a better job in acquiring assets for sending PG13 to Oklahoma City. Somehow, this was seen as the basis Cavs GM Koby Altman made in securing Irving’s replacement -- the Cavaliers must not be on the losing end of the bargain.
Somehow, this may seem connected to the Cavaliers’ threatening to veto the trade if the Celtics won't add another trade asset. The question is, the Cavs already knew of Thomas' hip problem even before they initially agree with the trade. They should know -- the Cavs were playing the Celtics when it happened.
A clear case of bait and switch, some basketball fans think the Cleveland front office is overreaching especially since they want Jayson Tatum. But then -- will the Boston Celtics agree to give another asset?
