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That was fast.
After tons of speculation about where Kyrie Irving would be traded, it turns out he’s taking his talents to the Boston Celtics.
It’s an odd time for NBA trades as the league is usually dormant when the beginning of the NFL season looms. But not this year. A trade of huge magnitude—that is sure to have a ripple effect—just went down. One star player, Irving, was traded for another: Isaiah Thomas. There were a few ancillary aspects, with the Cavs also getting Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 unprotected first-round pick. And just like that, the Cavs locker room gains a new, hungry point guard who is reuniting with old Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) buddy Kevin Love.
Irving, 25, requested a trade during a July meeting with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. At the time, Irving said that he wanted to be more of the focal point of his team and that he no longer wanted to play alongside Lebron James, sources said.
But upon finding out about the trade, Bron Bron took the high road and tweeted a fan’s message about thanking Irving for his dedication to the ‘land and of course, a championship.
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge noted that the trade was bittersweet because he’s losing a bunch of great guys. “This has obviously been a roller coaster of a day for us, trading away Isaiah and Jae and Ante, especially Isaiah and Jae, who have been such a big part of our team and our success and our Celtic culture as leaders of our team. Very, very difficult day,” Ainge told ESPN. “At the same time, a very exciting time [to add] one of the best offensive players in the league.”
As for Kyrie? He finally has a franchise of his own.
