The Cleveland Cavaliers are not running after the Boston Celtics’ young players or top draft picks as they try to finalize their trade involving their All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Cavaliers might accept a late first-round pick or second-round considerations as additional compensation in order for the trade to be finalized. Earlier, the Cavaliers agreed to ship Irving to the Celtics for isaiah thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets' unprotected 2018 first-round pick.
The Cavaliers are eyeing additional compensation when concerns about Thomas’ injured hip surfaced during his physical examination last week.
The Cavaliers are worried that Thomas could miss additional time than expected as the injury has yet to fully heal. Thomas originally hurt his hip in March and aggravated it during their playoff series against the Washington Wizards. He was sidelined in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers.
Cavs silent after raising issue on Thomas’ hip
It was reported that the Cavaliers were eyeing either Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum as additional compensation for Thomas injury. Instead of marquee players, the Celtics could give up their own 2018 first-round pick and the Los Angeles Clippers' 2019 lottery-protected choice in Round 1 to the Cavaliers to finalize the trade. Earlier, Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald reported that the Cavaliers haven’t reached out to the Celtics since they raised the issue about Thomas’ injury.
Without any feedback from the Cavaliers, the Celtics have no alternative plan on how to make the trade work. The Cavaliers have until Thursday to void the deal if no deal regarding additional compensation is reached.
Thomas denied he's damaged goods
In an interview with Wojnarowski, Thomas denied that he’s damaged goods, saying that his injured hip will not be a problem in the future.
He also assured fans that he will be back and return to his old deadly form. “I'm going to be back, and I'm going to be the same player again. No doctor has told me anything different than that,” said Thomas.During the interview, Thomas hinted that he could delay his debut for the 2017-18 season due to the injury. The 28-year-old Thomas made it to the All-NBA Second Team after averaging 28.9 points per game last season. In his three years with the Celtics, he was selected as an All-Star twice. Before he was traded, he was in line to earn a maximum contract from the Celtics. #Boston Celtics
