Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge became the center of attention when news broke that isaiah thomas was being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving. Now, Ainge finally opens up about that fateful day when he needed to talk to Thomas about the trade. Speaking to CSN, he said it was hard delivering the message to IT as everyone in Boston is grateful for his contribution to the franchise.
Thomas, who arrived in Boston after the Celtics traded Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett earned his fame when he was able to help the team reach the post season.
"IT, everybody in Boston is grateful for I.T. and all that he’s done. We wouldn’t be here today with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward and Al Horford if IT didn’t exist,” Ainge said. he further added that while IT is known to be a good man, he is also soft inside and may remember this trade for the rest of his life.
Danny Ainge on Isaiah Thomas' recovery
Ainge is confident, IT will fully recover from his injury and be out to prove the Celtics wrong about their decision. The GM, on the other hand, said he will be ready when that day comes. He further added that it will be the happiest days of his life seeing IT back in the game. IT is expected to go to Cleveland and start his rehabilitation and therapy.
The team is not rushing Thomas' rehabilitation and to prove it, they have no time table for his return.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavs team wants to see Thomas' situation after a week and possibly his improvement for the whole of September after which, the team can provide a time table for his return.
Meanwhile, Danny Ainge also acknowledged the sacrifices Kyrie Irving had to go through to earn his spot on the Celtics franchise.
In an exclusive interview with CSN, he said: "Kyrie walked away from a huge trade kicker and could have demanded, easily. He was so excited to come to Boston, he was willing to do that in a second.” During his introduction over the weekend, Irving said his reasons for transferring is purely motivational.
Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and Cleveland
Apparently, it's not about the money or LeBron James (not being a good teammate) as previous reports implied. He thanked James for the wonderful experience and the opportunity to play with the legend, but he also needed to see to his options where he can test his potential in the sport. Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz will join Kyrie Irving in the new NBA season. Hayward, during an interview, said he was more concerned about winning and competing for titles and the money talk is not his main of his concern.
