This NBA offseason has had no shortage of drama, speculation, and blockbuster deals. One of the biggest stories of the summer was the trade request from Kyrie Irving in July, and the media storm that ensued. After three straight NBA Finals appearances and an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he no longer wants to play in the shadow of LeBron James. The ups and downs of the relationship between the two superstars is no secret.
Irving wants to be the offensive center of a team and believes he can be the one to lead a team to the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Upon requesting a trade, Irving submitted a list of prospective teams that he would like to be traded to including the Spurs, Knicks, Heat, and the Timberwolves.
One of the teams that was not on that list was the Boston Celtics, and now that may be exactly where he goes.
Kyrie Irving possibly going to Boston
There is a proposed trade on the table that involves big names and serious complications. The proposed trade involves Kyrie Irving going to Boston and in return the Cavaliers would receive isaiah thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Brooklyn Nets 2018 first round draft pick. Now, the whole deal depends on the condition of Isaiah Thomas' hip. The injury forced him to the bench for the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
"After Cleveland's physical examination of Isaiah Thomas' injured hip raised concern about the timeline of his return this season, Cavaliers officials are planning to seek an additional asset before finalizing a deal, to send four-time All Star guard Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics." Adrian Wojnarowski reported for ESPN.
If the two teams can not come to terms on how to handle this situation, the trade could be vetoed and the players will remain with their current teams.
Boston has said that they believed they were completely honest and open about Thomas' situation.
Complicated even more by LeBron
This trade was more, for the Cleveland Cavaliers, than just giving Kyrie what he wanted. LeBron James is signed through next season and then he will be a free agent. Though Cavaliers management is hoping that LeBron re-signs, they must also prepare for the worst case scenario.
This trade brought in players and opportunity, in the form of a draft pick, that that could build a team around or without LeBron James.
There is a possibility that LeBron does leave Cleveland at the end of next season. Rumors have swirled that a move to the Los Angeles Lakers is a definite possibility. James may chase the prospect of chasing a ring with a fresh roster of young talent and business opportunities.
Whatever happens with the outcome of this trade, it is going to make for a very interesting atmosphere when it is added in combination with the blockbuster trades of Paul George, Chris Paul, and Jimmy Butler.
