Isaiah Thomas’ hip injury has proven to be more worrisome than originally thought, putting the biggest deal of the offseason at risk of falling through.
An NBA team can renege on a deal if the players involved fail a physical examination. After the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers reached an agreement, the main remuneration for the Cavaliers has failed his physical.
Thomas carried a hip injury throughout the 2016-17 season and ultimately had to sit out the finals series between the Celtics and Cavaliers.
The lingering issue did nothing to dull Thomas’ impact on the court though, he averaged 28.9 points per game as well as 5.9 assists in the regular season.
However, it appears to have caught up to the All Star point guard, so much so that the Cavaliers are reportedly considering asking more for Kyrie Irving.
Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Nets’ No.1 pick were already traded for Irving, however, the Cavaliers reportedly want to add either Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum.
Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is reluctant to add either player considering how valuable the exchange already is for the Cavs. Tatum was the number three pick in the 2017 draft and Brown is considered an up-and-coming star, having held his own against LeBron James in the most recent finals series – an impressive effort for a rookie.
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
While unusual, there have been several instances where a franchise has voided an agreement due to a player’s health.
In 2009, the Oklahoma City Thunder backed out of a deal that involved Tyson Chandler after a doctor deemed that the veteran centre was at a high risk of re-injuring his left big toe.
Last year, a three-team set-up fell through after Donatas Motiejunas failed a physical examination due to back problems.
It’s unlikely that Ainge will part with any more assets to secure the services of Irving, so the Cavaliers would have two main options: proceed and wager that Thomas’ hip will hold up for another attempt at beating the Golden State Warriors, or cancel it all and bring Irving back to the team for a very uncomfortable and awkward season.
Cavaliers backup shooting guard Iman Shumpert has reportedly requested a similar trade, seemingly frustrated after being on the team’s trading block numerous times the last two years.
mushi
Guest
So a single second round pick. That's like Aigne going "Fine. you F$%ing A$%$%ole. Have this but that's it!" But kudo's to the cavs for getting something for nothing there.
Swampy
Guest
That makes sense - Cavs have done well. I can't think of a single other trading partner they could have got as much out of. And obviously the Celtics have done well too. They just had too many assets to keep going forward as is. Had to cash in some chips at some point.
mushi
Guest
They’ve reportedly downgraded covnersations to one of their late first rounders or various second round picks.
Swampy
Guest
Koby Altman is setting a bench mark right here - I think he might have Ainge by the nuts. There's no way the Celtics can take back Thomas and Crowder now - imagine the damage done to either's ego. And if Thomas really does have a bad injury outlook then why would the Celtics want him back? They are going to have to give up something else. I doubt it will be Tatum though
mushi
Guest
I like that shump has requested a trade because… they’ve been trying to trade him. It’s like asking your partner for an open relationship after you find out they’ve been all around town
mushi
Guest
Agree that the cav’s should do it regardless, but I can see why they are using their free option. Here are three all star trade packages: 1. Dunn, Levine and Markkonen 2. Oladipo and Sabonis 3. Nets pick (Probably a 1-5 pick in what seems like a good top end draft), Crowder and Zizic Crowder is the best player (and contract) and the Net’s pick is the highest upside item. Option 3 is hands down the winner and yet would most people really take Kyrie straight up over Butler or George? If they walk away where is this magical offer than beats just the “extras” from the Celtics trade. That’s before factoring in that they get to test run IT anyway and really see where he’s at before backing up the truck if the need to in free agency. But I can see why they’ve gone back. They have the option if something not disclosed is there. They can play a bit of a game of chicken with Ainge as bringing Thomas back is going to be a nightmare and his trade value will be decimated. That said he should hold firm as he’s already paying the king’s ransom for a flawed prince.
Ben Sewell
Roar Pro
There's just no way Danny Ainge adds any more to this deal. They're already losing their 2nd All - NBA point guard, plus the nets pick plus a potential 6th man of the yr in Crowder. It's a great deal, even if IT misses half the year and it's laughable that Cleveland think Boston will add anything more.