Recapping the Celtics/Cavs Trade
Let's start of with this. To whomever has burned an Isaiah Thomas jersey, you are a disgrace to the entire Boston Celtics fanbase, the city of Boston, and to basketball fans everywhere. To burn a jersey is a disrespectful act in itself, but to burn the jersey of someone who brought the most historic NBA franchise ever from the bottom of the league to NBA finals contention, a guy who played a playoff game just days after his SISTER TRAGICALLY PASSED AWAY, a guy who put his body on the line every game for his team, a guy who left everything on the court, someone who showed hard work really pays off, shows heart over height is a real thing inspiring us all and doing nothing but good for the community of Boston is disgusting. You're burning that guy's jersey?!?! You can find yourself a new team to root for, because you're not on the same planet as a real Celtics fan. Anyway, let's get into it.
The trade itself:
Celtics: Kyrie Irving
Cavs: Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, Nets 2018 Unprotected First-Round Pick
Who won the trade? Today, the Cavs won the trade, but that doesn't mean you can't still love what the Celtics did. The Cavs capitalized over a situation that was a disaster waiting to happen, it had potential to be Paul George-esq. However, they turned a disgruntled star into an all-star who had a stronger season than he did last year, a legit role player, a young rookie, and a lottery pick. The Cavs now have assets they can either flip for more stars, or hang onto for the post-LeBron era, if that comes this offseason. Not so bad, huh?
On the other hand, the Celtics finally made their move. Danny Ainge won't continue to be torn apart for holding off of previously traded players, he's back to "Trader Danny" with this blockbuster. In my past blog, I vouched for the Celtics to go get Kyrie using a package very similar to the one that was moved. So, you can guess my feelings about acquiring Kyrie. They got a younger player who fits their youth-based timeline better than IT, and Kyrie is only going to get better. He's a massive piece of the Celtics next championship puzzle that Isaiah Thomas didn't fit. The argument that Kyrie was the best player in this deal is strong, even though IT had a better year last year, his hip and age are massive concerns, while Kyrie is going into the year motivated, and healthy. Now for what the Celtics gave up? It's a lot. But the Celtics most likely looked at it with a different point of view. The Nets' pick isn't guaranteed top-5 like it was in years past as the Nets gained a lot of solid players this summer, and have no reason to tank unlike teams such as the Bulls, Pacers, Magic, Suns, Knicks, Hawks, etc. That pick could be closer to 10 than to 1. For how great IT did last year, his hip injury seems quite serious and could affect him long-term. And for him to be on a contract year, it's not a great idea to give a 5-year max deal (which is what Thomas desires) to an undersized guard who depends on athleticism for his game, coming off of an injury, and will be 29 when he signs the deal. When in return, the Celtics get a crazy talented, face-of-the-franchise talent (who's only 25) who will lead them in the next chapter of Celtics basketball. You don't pass that deal up.
All that being said, there are other circumstances to consider on both sides. Are players going to look different at Boston for trading the face of their franchise? Will this trade put either team closer to even competing with the Warriors? And of course, how does this trade affect LeBron James, and his free agency in 2018? Right now, these questions don't have answers, and same goes with the eventual clear cut winner and loser of the trade. We just don't know yet. It could go in Cleveland's favor if the Nets pick becomes top 5, IT comes into the season with a massive chip on his shoulder to show Boston what they traded away and only gains on his All-NBA season last year, Kyrie doesn't extend in Boston and if LeBron ultimately decides to stay in Cleveland. And on the flip side, Kyrie could have an MVP season in Boston, extend, Celtics show dynasty potential, the Nets pick is outside of the top 10, and IT's hip makes him less of the player he was last year. Those are two extremes, and in a few years it may not reach that level but who knows. The trade works for both teams, but we still don't know what the future implications are. All we know is that this offseason has been INSANE. Best of luck to all the players involved, and remember October 17th is less than two months away.
Also, if this doesn't get you pumped up for the new-look Celtics, you may want to see if your blood is still pumping.
Twitter- @ckhater23
The trade itself:
Celtics: Kyrie Irving
Cavs: Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, Nets 2018 Unprotected First-Round Pick
Who won the trade? Today, the Cavs won the trade, but that doesn't mean you can't still love what the Celtics did. The Cavs capitalized over a situation that was a disaster waiting to happen, it had potential to be Paul George-esq. However, they turned a disgruntled star into an all-star who had a stronger season than he did last year, a legit role player, a young rookie, and a lottery pick. The Cavs now have assets they can either flip for more stars, or hang onto for the post-LeBron era, if that comes this offseason. Not so bad, huh?
On the other hand, the Celtics finally made their move. Danny Ainge won't continue to be torn apart for holding off of previously traded players, he's back to "Trader Danny" with this blockbuster. In my past blog, I vouched for the Celtics to go get Kyrie using a package very similar to the one that was moved. So, you can guess my feelings about acquiring Kyrie. They got a younger player who fits their youth-based timeline better than IT, and Kyrie is only going to get better. He's a massive piece of the Celtics next championship puzzle that Isaiah Thomas didn't fit. The argument that Kyrie was the best player in this deal is strong, even though IT had a better year last year, his hip and age are massive concerns, while Kyrie is going into the year motivated, and healthy. Now for what the Celtics gave up? It's a lot. But the Celtics most likely looked at it with a different point of view. The Nets' pick isn't guaranteed top-5 like it was in years past as the Nets gained a lot of solid players this summer, and have no reason to tank unlike teams such as the Bulls, Pacers, Magic, Suns, Knicks, Hawks, etc. That pick could be closer to 10 than to 1. For how great IT did last year, his hip injury seems quite serious and could affect him long-term. And for him to be on a contract year, it's not a great idea to give a 5-year max deal (which is what Thomas desires) to an undersized guard who depends on athleticism for his game, coming off of an injury, and will be 29 when he signs the deal. When in return, the Celtics get a crazy talented, face-of-the-franchise talent (who's only 25) who will lead them in the next chapter of Celtics basketball. You don't pass that deal up.
All that being said, there are other circumstances to consider on both sides. Are players going to look different at Boston for trading the face of their franchise? Will this trade put either team closer to even competing with the Warriors? And of course, how does this trade affect LeBron James, and his free agency in 2018? Right now, these questions don't have answers, and same goes with the eventual clear cut winner and loser of the trade. We just don't know yet. It could go in Cleveland's favor if the Nets pick becomes top 5, IT comes into the season with a massive chip on his shoulder to show Boston what they traded away and only gains on his All-NBA season last year, Kyrie doesn't extend in Boston and if LeBron ultimately decides to stay in Cleveland. And on the flip side, Kyrie could have an MVP season in Boston, extend, Celtics show dynasty potential, the Nets pick is outside of the top 10, and IT's hip makes him less of the player he was last year. Those are two extremes, and in a few years it may not reach that level but who knows. The trade works for both teams, but we still don't know what the future implications are. All we know is that this offseason has been INSANE. Best of luck to all the players involved, and remember October 17th is less than two months away.
Twitter- @ckhater23
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