The blockbuster trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics continues to make headlines - all because of Isaiah Thomas' hip injury. The Boston Celtics believe that they were being completely open and honest about Thomas' injury, and it is expected that the Celtics will not give up any further assets.
What's happening?
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski who was on SportsCenter on Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in young Celtics Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Wojnarowski said that "Cleveland is trying to ask about a couple of Celtics' young players, which they tried to get in their initial offer, but it is very unlikely to happen," and that "Boston still has a lot of first-round picks, and Cleveland is trying to get one more to finalize this deal."
This move would be perfect for the Cleveland Cavaliers because both Tatum and Brown are promising young prospects that would help them if they really do lose Lebron James next summer.
Jayson Tatum, who was the third overall pick in the recent draft, showed some signs of brilliance as he lit up and dominated the Las Vegas Summer League. While Jaylen Brown, third overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, has also shown some defensive prowess and excellent athleticism in the past NBA season. Brown was also instrumental in last year's Boston Celtics' deep playoff run where they reached the Eastern Conference Finals and lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Catch
However, Wojnarowski told SportsCenter that the Celtics will likely oppose the idea that they need to give up more in the trade. Boston still has a lot of draft picks that they could offer to Cleveland if they want to make the trade stand and retain their young players.
It's just a matter of whether the Boston Celtics feel that they need to.
All in all, this trade was a win for the Cavaliers, having been able to get rid of the disgruntled Kyrie Irving and his $60 million over three years contract. You would've thought that the Cavaliers front office would be happy.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are surely looking to build and maximize their chances for the future after giving up Kyrie Irving, an experienced and clutch player who helped them come back and secure the 2016 NBA Finals. The Cavaliers pursuing Brown or Tatum is a sign that they are willing to make them the next cornerstone for the Cleveland Cavaliers' future if Lebron James chooses to leave.
