The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics are a draft pick away towards finally completing the blockbuster trade involving All-Star guards Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas. NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that teams are close to resolving the issue that has put the deal on standby mode over the last several days.
Cavs back out from pricey request
According to Woj, Cleveland is no longer looking for an elite player or a high draft pick from the Celtics as a complementary payment for not disclosing the extent of Thomas’ hip injury.
The Cavs reportedly talked with the Celtics’ top executives late Monday, and are now just asking a late first round pick or even a second-rounder to complete the deal.
“The Celtics and Cavs, as sources have told me, talked today and into this evening. Cleveland is no longer asking for one of the elite young players from Boston or even their elite draft picks. They would like perhaps something in the late first round or even maybe second round considerations to get this deal done,” Woj noted.
The Cavs previously asked for a high-pick or one of Boston’s promising young stars (Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum) to complement Celtics’ trade package – which also includes Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round pick – after finding out that Thomas’ torn labrum was worse than they expected it to be.
Thomas’ physical put the completion of the deal on hold. Some even believed the snag could lead to cancellation of the trade. In the end, both teams might have realized that they are bound to lose a lot if the trade falls through.
Thomas confident to be back at All-Star level
Wojnarowski also noted in his report Thomas’ confidence of returning to a high-level after rehabbing his hip.
The All-Star point guard stressed that he’s far from being a damaged good, and he will be back stronger than ever. However, Thomas is also uncertain about the timetable of his recovery from the injury.
“I spoke to Isaiah this afternoon, and he was just emphatic that he will return from the hip injury,” Woj said about Thomas.
“It does not have long-term consequences for him. He expected he gonna play this year. And he’s gonna be the same player.
“His specialist. He’s working with Dr. Kelly in New York. Certainly one of the most renown in the world, and that Thomas continues to have a very strong belief that it will have no long term implications to this injury.”
The 28-year old Thomas is coming off another career year, averaging 28.9 points on 46.3 percent shooting with 5.9 assists per game. He made it in his second All-Star team and first All-NBA (second team) last year.
