All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving has a new home after the Cleveland Cavaliers shipped him to the Boston Celtics for isaiah thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and an unprotected 2018 first-round pick. According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, Irving has agreed to waive his trade kicker to complete the deal. With the deal, Irving’s request to be traded to a team where he can become the focal point of the offense has been fulfilled. Irving will lead the Celtics’ starting five composed of Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Morris and Al Horford.
Despite trading for Irving, the Celtics kept backup guard Marcus Smart and the Los Angeles Lakers’ unprotected first-round pick in 2018.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Irving was already informed that the trade was ironed out and he’s now a member of the Celtics. Irving was expected to get a call from Celtics officials at any time. Irving’s first game as a Celtic will be against the Cavaliers as they clash on October 17 in Cleveland. Irving and Thomas were both part of the 2011 Draft class. Irving was taken first overall by the Cavaliers while Thomas was picked 60th by the Sacramento Kings.
Last season, Irving averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists, helping the Cavaliers reach the finals for the third straight time alongside LeBron James.
However, they lost to the Golden State Warriors in five games. On July 7th, he met with Cavaliers team owner Dan Gilbert and demanded a trade to either the San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves or the New York Knicks.
Thomas was fresh from MVP-like season
Thomas, for his part, was fresh from an MVP-like season with the Celtics, averaging 28.9 points and 5.9 assists.
However, he suffered a hip injury in the Eastern Conference finals, allowing the Cavs to cruise into the NBA Finals with ease. Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the team is unsure if Thomas will be ready for start of training camp. He will undergo medical tests in September to determine if he will be able to participate in training camp.
He was expecting to sign a maximum deal with the Celtics before he was traded.
Irving can renegotiate deal with Celtics
Irving has three years and $60 million left on his contract, but the last year is a player option which he can use to become an unrestricted free agent. According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, Irving can get a contract extension next summer, but he can get an increase of only $24.1M, almost $8M below his projected max in 2019. Irving can renegotiate his contract in July, but the Celtics are expected to go beyond the salary cap by then.
