The mega-trade between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, featuring two of the best playmakers in Kyrie Irving and isaiah thomas, could be voided if the latter doesn’t pass his physical with the Cavaliers. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Thomas traveled to Cleveland Friday and underwent a physical. All players involved in the trade must hurdle a physical exam in order for it to be fully consummated.
Wojnaworski said the Cavaliers are still evaluating Thomas’ injured hip, which caused him to miss the rest of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers.
According to Wojnarowski, the Cavaliers are still weighing their option regarding the completion of the deal. If Cleveland doctors do not clear Thomas, then the trade will be voided, and Irving will have to return to Cleveland. A source told Wojnarowski that the “situation is very sensitive.” Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com said Thomas’ agent refused to comment on the situation.
Thomas’ hip injury might derail trade
Thomas sustained the injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves last March 15. The injury reared its ugly head anew when it flared up in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Washington Wizards. Thomas played the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals before the team ruled him out for the rest of the playoffs.
With Thomas out, the Cavaliers cruised to the NBA Finals.
Thomas did not undergo surgery, instead of allowing his hip to heal through rest and rehabilitation. However, his hip issue came into question after he was traded to the Cavaliers together with Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets' 2018 first-round pick for Irving.
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge admitted that the team considered Thomas’ hip before making the decision to ship him to the Cavaliers. If the trade is voided, the Cavaliers would have to find another trade partner for Irving. Before the Cavaliers traded Irving to the Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks offered last season’s Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, wing Khris Middleton and a first-round pick in exchange for the All-Star point guard.
Injury could affect Thomas’ value
Thomas is in the last year of the four-year, $27 million deal that he signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2014. He was expecting a maximum deal from the Celtics before he was traded to the Cavaliers. Last season, Thomas averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists and led the Celtics to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference in the playoffs.
