The drama in Cleveland is finally over. The NBA world has spent the past few months talking almost exclusively about the Cleveland Cavaliers and their point guard Kyrie Irving. One month ago, Irving requested to be traded from Cleveland as he stated that he no longer wants to play alongside LeBron James. The news about Kyrie's request came as a shock to everyone who follows the NBA, but especially to the Cleveland Cavaliers fans. Irving named four teams as his favorite landing spots, if he would be traded: the Timberwolves, the Spurs, the Heat, and the New York Knicks.
After many rumors and speculations about Kyrie's potential trade, it was finally announced on Tuesday night that Kyrie Irving was traded.
Irving joins the Celtics
Shams Charania of The Vertical reported on Tuesday night that the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed on a deal that will send Kyrie Irving to the Celtics, and isaiah thomas to the Cavaliers. Just a couple of hours later, the deal became official. Kyrie Irving is now a member of the Boston Celtics, while Isaiah Thomas joins the Cleveland Cavaliers. In this trade deal the Cavs also received Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn's 2018 unprotected first-round pick.
Celtics are sending Thomas, Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn's 2018 first-round pick for Kyrie Irving, league sources tell The Vertical. https://t.co/gdaT9UjVGl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) 22. kolovoza 2017.
It's is still hard to tell who got the better end of this deal, but it seems for now that it is a win-win situation for both teams.
The Celtics got an All-Star caliber player with championship pedigree in Irving. The 25-year-old from Australia averaged a career-high 25.2 points per game last season with the Cavs, and also added 3.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. He shot 47 percent from the field and also connected on 40 percent of his three-pointers.
Irving won the 2016 NBA championship playing with the Cavaliers.
Thomas teaming up with LeBron
Even though they lost one of their key players in Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers still received enough good players in this trade that will help them remain the best team in the Eastern Conference next season. Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, and Ante Zizic are the newest members of the Cavaliers.
Thomas will now have the opportunity to compete for the NBA championship next season, if he's able to play at the level he played at last season for the Celtics. The 5-foot-9 point guard averaged 28.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game last season in 76 games with the Boston Celtics. His points per game average will likely go down next season, as he'll play alongside couple of other great players such as LeBron James and Kevin Love. Thomas showed last season what he's capable of doing when given the opportunity, and there is no doubt that playing alongside LeBron James will only improve his game. One thing is for sure - even without Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers will still be "the team to beat" in the Eastern Conference next season.
