The Kyrie Irving drama has finally concluded.
According to multiple reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers have traded disgruntled point guard Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and Brooklyn’s unprotected 2018 first-round pick.
The Cavaliers attempted to trade Irving to the Western Conference, but they continuously received low-ball offers. Those Western Conference teams weren’t willing to part ways with their young core, which made it difficult for the Cavaliers to receive an offer they liked.
The Celtics salvage their young players
Since they were unable to find deals with West teams, Cleveland turned its attention to the Celtics, who had a major interest in Irving but were also unwilling to give up young pieces, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Instead of offering one of those two, the Celtics squeezed in Brooklyn’s valuable pick to please the Cavaliers. Since the Nets are currently rebuilding, their pick is likely to be top three, which would be helpful for the Cavaliers especially if they lose LeBron James next summer.
Thomas will also become a free agent next summer and will most likely demand a max contract. The Celtics figured that Irving’s old max deal for the next couple seasons is far more beneficial than having to pay Thomas the new max deal in 2018.
Irving had to waive his trade kicker before the deal could be completed. Now that he is part of the Celtics, he will most likely have to battle his old team in the Conference Finals, which should make the Eastern Conference playoffs more intriguing.
Breaking down the deal
Both Thomas and Irving are score-first point guards, which makes this deal work for both teams.
In addition to Thomas, the Cavaliers receive defensive-minded forward Jae Crowder, who can also slide down and play the two position as well.
Irving will now get the opportunity to become the ‘main guy’ on his own team. The Celtics acquired Gordon Hayward through free agency, but the keys to the team will still go to Kyrie, who is also surrounded by young talent that he could mentor.
Irving brings leadership and playoffs experience to the Celtics, which is highly needed. He has the ability to create offense with his impressive dribbling skills and is a crafty finisher around the rim. In Cleveland, Thomas may have to play off the ball more often, which he is accustomed to doing. While his scoring numbers may drop, Thomas could still help the Cavaliers as much as Irving did.
The Celtics and Cavaliers will meet each other on opening night, which should be an entertaining battle.
