In the off-season, National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise #Cleveland Cavaliers parted ways with Kyrie Irving. The 25-year-old, along with LeBron James, carried the Cavs last season, and Irving's loss would undoubtedly have put added pressure on the four-time MVP.

While James isn't one to be pressurized by the high expectations held by him, it is improbable that the Cavs would have been able to mount a realistic title challenge without Irving. However, keeping hold of the now Boston Celtics' point guard was impossible as he had his heart set on moving away from the Ohio franchise to "perfect his craft."

It wasn't all doom and gloom for the Cavs as they got everything they could possibly want in exchange of for the player's services.

With the regular season only a couple of weeks away, they already look like legitimate championship contenders and could give the Golden State Warriors a run for their money.

Wade's return and his chemistry with James

After clearing waivers on Wednesday last week, Dwayne Wade completed his dream return to the Cleveland Cavaliers to once again team up with off the court friend #LeBron James. Previously together at Miami Heat, the duo wreaked havoc in the opposition defense and made the Florida franchise one of NBA's teams to be reckoned with.

While the two may not be the players they were back in 2010, it still gives the fans a treat to watch them play together. They also have phenomenal chemistry on the court, and it could be the recipe that helps the Cavs etch their names on the coveted NBA trophy.

Wade's presence inside the dressing room may give the younger players a morale boost and it could help them take their game to the next level.

The arrivals of Thomas, Rose, Crowder, and Zizic make the Cavs pre-season favorites to win the championship

It is fair to say that the Cavs have dealt with the loss of Irving in the most seamless manner possible.

By roping in the likes of Isiah Thomas, former MVP Derrick Rose, Jae Crowder, and Ante Zizic, they have not only added to their depth but have made a couple of key upgrades on their first team.

Crowder is expected to be put right into the fold as Cleveland's small forward, while the versatile veteran Kevin Love could occupy a center position.

Crowder's mental and physical toughness coupled with his ability to turn things around within the blink of an eye is what makes him arguably Cavs' acquisition of the summer.

Isiah Thomas is expected to be unavailable for the first few months of the new season, but when fit, he will prove to the basketball fraternity as to why he is an exceptional player towards the end of the game. He averaged an impressive 9.8 points in the fourth quarter of the game last season - second only to NBA's reigning MVP Russell Westbrook.
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