The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics have yet to get the Kyrie Irving trade done, something hindered by the celebrated hip injury of Isaiah Thomas. Initially, the Cavs reportedly wanted additional compensation which involved Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown. The request toned down a bit with the Cavs reportedly seeking a late-round pick instead.
Despite the tweaks made by the Cavs on what to get in exchange for Irving, the reality of it all is that nothing has been consummated. That could change in the coming days. There is, however, a chance that the trade could get called off – perhaps the remotest of possibilities that would leave both the Cavs and the Celtics in a pretty awkward situation.
Bucks dangles young stars
As far as the Cavs are concerned, there are likely to be options in the form of offers from other NBA teams. One team that has plans to crowd the mix are the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to ESPN, the Bucks are offering reigning NBA rookie of the year Malcolm Brogdon and forward Khris Middleton. These are two quality players the Cavs could use though it lacks the future picks that the Celtics offered alongside two players (Jae Crowder and Ante Zizic).
Regardless, the Bucks are placing them in a situation where they could end up losing Irving anyway. Unless Irving commits long-term, the Cavs could consider it to finally grant Irving his request to be traded.
Brogdon is coming off an impressive year, someone who could fit in well for Cavs coach Tyronn Lue.
Though it remains to be seen how he can blend in with LeBron James and company, it looms as the best offer to date.
Middleton is another interesting part of the mix. While he struggled last season due to injuries, the 26-year-old may eventually work himself back to playing shape and turn out to be a key addition to the Cavs frontline.
Irving – Antetokounmpo connection
The Bucks do have a promising young crew so dealing off two promising stars comes as a surprise. The real star for the Bucks though is Giannis Antetokounmpo, someone who could work well with a tested veteran guard in Irving.
The chances of the Bucks this coming season could change drastically and turn them into contenders.
An Irving and Antentokounmpo tutelage should be a joy to watch, a vast upgrade from Brogdon in terms of experience.
For now, the Bucks’ offer will remain in the air. The Cavs and the Celtics are expected to get something done soon. In the event that negotiations fall apart, Cleveland knows it has an ace up its sleeve. Could the pitch of Milwaukee raise the bar for the Cavs? It entirely depends if the Brogdon-Middleton draws the interest of the Cleveland top brasses.
