Almost a month to the day after requesting to be traded, Kyrie Irving is on the move.
Cleveland’s All Star point guard is headed to Boston, with the Cavs getting fellow All Star Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round pick in return.
There’s no doubt that Irving is an offensive star, a lights-out three-point shooter (40.1% last season) and one of the best and most creative finishers at the rim (60.3% from within three feet).
While his playmaking has come into question, he’ll now have a chance to be the primary playmaker on a team, so maybe he’ll show some previously unsighted set-up skills.
And while there’s not much hope for defensive development at this stage, he should at least replace Thomas’ work on that end (if only because of the six extra inches he has to work with).
Irving is younger, contracted for longer and potentially better than the man he replaces.
Crowder’s production can largely be offset by up-and-comers Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, Zizic is an unknown quantity arriving from Europe this season, and Brooklyn’s pick was always likely to be used at the trade table rather than the draft.
Celtics fans were growing restless waiting for GM Danny Ainge to cash in their trade assets, and Irving is likely the top guy they could have got at this stage.
Boston were already co-favourites in the East, alongside Cleveland, and with a proven playoff performer now arriving, this move should strengthen their position.
[latest_videos_strip]
As for Cleveland, the deal walks the tightrope between short-term and long-term building perfectly.
With LeBron James a chance to leave after this coming season, the Cavs need to compete immediately, while also preparing for his possible departure. This trade does that.
Thomas is coming off a career-best season, in which he averaged a remarkably efficient 28.9 points per game (54.6 eFG%, 26.5 PER), and should replace much of Irving’s offence both off the dribble and off the ball.
While it is unlikely that Thomas will replicate his incredible season, he may benefit from a reduced role and more easy shots playing alongside LeBron.
And with his contract expiring after this season, the Cavs will have some degree of flexibility should LeBron pack up and head to LA.
Crowder will add some much-needed defensive toughness, and while Zizic is untried at NBA level, reports from Europe suggest he could play some handy minutes at the highest level.
The Brooklyn pick (likely in the top five of a loaded 2018 lottery) is a nice get. If LeBron stays, it can be cashed in at the trade table, but if he leaves it could provide a potential building block for the future.
Cleveland were in a tough spot when Irving asked for a trade, but it appears they have made the best out of a bad situation.
And in the immediate aftermath of yet another blockbuster this offseason, this feels like a rare win-win.
The Fatman
Guest
1. The difference between playoff IT and playoff Kyrie is immense. IT career playoffs 40% from 2 and 30% from 3. Kyrie 47/41. Danny knows that ultimately the stars of your team need transcendent talent that translates in the post-season and in crunch time. Kyrie has proven himself at the highest level possible. He is essentially unguardable (Bradley agrees). IT had a couple good games against Washington. I love IT and it was a hell of a ride last year, but he was an overachiever on an overachieving team who was not in Cleveland's league when it came to playoff time. 2. IT's contract and desire to be paid after this year was a really hard spot for Ainge. I'm speculating, but I don't think Ainge had any desire to max IT and IT didn't have any desire to accept less. There's a chance IT just walked after this season and the Celtics moved forward with young players to avoid luxury tax. The players age and contract situation is much bigger in evaluating this trade than most people are making it. Irving fits into future plans and is on a discounted contract for 2 years. 3. Brooklyn is not as bad, relatively speaking, as last year. Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando are hot garbage. The west is so loaded that teams like Phoenix will struggle to find wins next year. Brooklyn made some decent additions. Lin, Russell, Mosgov, Crabbe and Carroll is slightly frisky. And Brooklyn is about the only team at the bottom who isn't trying to tank. It's not unreasonable to think the Brooklyn pick is most likely in the 5-8 range. 4. Jae Crowder is mediocre and just preventing Brown and Tatum from getting minutes. 5. Zizic...who cares, frankly? Ainge got a stud and paid with a collection of mid level assets. The future will tell...
Hamish Hutton
Roar Rookie
I reckon they may well hold it all the way to Draft night, it's a gamble but maybe they will like the asset for themselves especially if LeBron is to leave and head to Los Angeles
steve
Guest
I would guess they hold it for now until closer to the trade deadline near the all star game.
Jacob Doole
Roar Rookie
It's a great asset for them to have since it gives them a whole new set of options, whether they trade it or keep it. I still don't mind Boston giving it up though— Brooklyn won't be making huge improvements, but I think they'll be better than a lot of people expect, and the Celtics don't have much room to take on more young players. It'll be interesting to see what the Cavs do with it!
steve
Guest
The Brooklyn picks isn't nice, its absolute gold for the Cavs. There are a multitude of GM's already wanting that pick from the Cavs. The Cavs can just about name their price for it.