Could the Kyrie Irving trade saga come to an end in a way that could shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference? According to Shams Chanaria of The Vertical, it’s possible, and the Boston Celtics may end up being the team that wins the sweepstakes for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ star point guard.
This would be big on its own, but according to Charania, the Celtics are willing to move their own star point guard in a deal that would send Isaiah Thomas to Cleveland.
Cleveland and Boston engaged in active trade discussions centered on Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2017
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN also reported that these sides are talking, but did not specify if Thomas would be involved in a deal.
Cleveland and Boston have moved into serious talks on a trade centered on All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
Boston has always been one of the more intriguing teams in the pursuit of Irving, both because they are Cleveland’s No. 1 contender in the East and because they possess the young assets and draft picks to acquire a superstar. However, moving Thomas would kind of need to happen, whether it be to Cleveland or somewhere else.
This would be an incredible deal and would somehow make the Cavaliers even more interesting in 2017-18. One of the reasons to possibly keep Irving is that LeBron James would be a free agent next season, but if Thomas heads to Cleveland, that means the only member of the team’s “Big Three” under contract after next year would be Kevin Love. Plus for it to happen, Boston would need to send some other veteran players back for Irving to make it work under the cap. According to Wojnarowski, a deal is close to being done and Jae Crowder is likely the veteran involved to make money work.
Sources: Boston, Cleveland nearing deal on Kyrie Irving, but details still working to completion. Isaiah Thomas, Crowder, pick(s) in talks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
Boston center Ante Zizic also expected to be part of a potential Cleveland deal for Kyrie Irving, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
There’s also the matter of how weird it would be for these two teams to do a deal. Cleveland would give up a young superstar that could help Boston establish themselves as the best team in the conference in the near future, while Boston would give up the heart and soul of their squad, along with other pieces that bolster the Cavs’ rough bench. Basically, while nothing is official yet, this would be a legitimate stunner. If, of course, it happens.
