The Cleveland Cavaliers recently completed their trade with the Boston Celtics. Following an adjustment to the deal, in exchange for Kyrie Irving, the Cavs received Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, a 2018 first-rounder, and an additional 2020 second-round pick. It appears that last season's runner-ups have no plans of holding onto the future selections they got from the Celtics.
According to Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers already took calls for the 2018 first-round pick that Boston gave them. The Celtics acquired it from the Brooklyn Nets.
The report added that the first-rounder could be a trade asset for the Cavs in the future or they can utilize it to add a young talent next year. Whatever option they go with, the goal is to improve the roster. Looking at the current players of "The Land," they can still be considered a formidable squad. LeBron James is still there and is going to spearhead a unit that also added quality veterans Derrick Rose, Jeff Green, and Jose Calderon. Cleveland is also welcoming a prospect from Turkey in Cedi Osman. Last July, the 22-year-old inked a three-year contract with the team that is worth $8.3 million.
Cavs can sacrifice
The Cavaliers have the luxury of trading the first-round pick from Boston since they already have a first-rounder for 2018 even before the blockbuster trade materialized.
Aside from this, Cleveland.com also mentioned that the Cavs have "multiple trade exceptions" and "second-round picks," all of which they can use to strengthen their roster. It is unknown at this point who the players are on Cleveland's radar. There are rumors that the Cavaliers are eyeing Carmelo Anthony, DeMarcus Cousins, and Dwyane Wade.
Isaiah Thomas' promise
Aside from attempting to trade the 2018 first-round pick from the Celtics, another priority for the Cavaliers is the recovery of Thomas. The team's new star point guard is expected to be out for some time in the 2017-18 season due to the hip injury he suffered in the previous season. It is a serious health woe, but Thomas is confident that he will be able to regain his old form.
In an interview with ESPN last week, the 28-year-old promised that he is coming back. At the moment, there is no timetable for his return to action. Thomas has been out since Game 3 of last season's Eastern Conference Finals. His absence made life much harder for the Celtics, who got eliminated by the Cavs in five games.