The Cleveland Cavaliers finally decided to trade Kyrie Irving. Cavs GM Koby Altman was willing to heed to Kyrie's request, but he wanted to make sure the Cavaliers won't be on the losing end of the bargain. And they found the best offer from the Boston Celtics.
In shipping Kyrie to Boston, the Cavaliers got Celtics’ leading scorer Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a 2018 unprotected first-round pick via Brooklyn Nets. Some basketball experts and fans think the trade was overkill; some believe that both teams made the right decision as they found a common ground.
Celtics cannot offer max to Isaiah
Celtics president of basketball operations and general manager Danny Ainge believes Kyrie Irving is one of the best scorers in the NBA. Still, he believes that “his best years are ahead of him.” But more than just getting Kyrie, the Boston Celtics are looking to clear their cap space.
Next year, Isaiah becomes an unrestricted free agent and is expecting his first huge payout. With Al Horford and newly-acquired Gordon Hayward getting more than half of the team’s payroll next season, signing Isaiah brings a lot big of concerns. Yet it would seem easier paying Kyrie’s $20 million next year and signing him later once Isaiah is gone.
Loaded with young, talented small forwards, Boston sending Jae Crowder to the Cavaliers was the easiest way to unload $15.1 million over the next two years.
Also, they removed Ante Zizic’s $2 million and the possibility of paying $5 million should they land within the Top 3 in next year’s NBA Draft.
LeBron leaving the Cavaliers
Kyrie’s departure gives additional security to the Cavaliers’ future should LeBron James decided to leave Cleveland next year. Assuming LeBron's $35.6 million (possibly higher) is off the table, the Cavaliers will have the best position to sign Isaiah Thomas for a max deal.
With Jae Crowder replacing LeBron in the starting lineup in 2018-19, he can help the Cleveland Cavaliers become a solid defensive team together with Tristan Thompson. This gives balance to the team's offense with Isaiah, Kevin Love and JR Smith on the attacking end.
Croatian star Ante Zizic has yet to make his impact in the league; nonetheless, he can give Thompson enough breathing minutes.
But the most impact could be the 2018 unprotected first-round pick.
According to Bleacher Report, the Nets are expected to have an early exit in the 2017-18 NBA Season. With a projection of 30-52 win-loss record, they are tied for the 6th-7th place with the Indiana Pacers giving them a slight chance to land the top pick. With luck, things could change for the better, possibly giving the Cleveland Cavaliers a higher chance of landing the top draft pick.
