Even with Irving taking a bit of a step back this past season, can someone explain to me how Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge allowed Cleveland Cavaliers rookie GM Koby Altman fleece him when trading Irving yesterday evening?
Irving, 25, was traded for Celtics All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic, and Brooklyn’s unprotected first round pick in next June’s draft--which the Celtics acquired in the 2013 Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce trade. Irving was the first overall pick in the 2011 draft, and Thomas was the last pick in that same draft.
Not only did Ainge give the Cavaliers the top scorer in the Eastern Conference to play alongside LeBron James and Kevin Love, but he gave his biggest rival defensive help, AND optimism for the future, even if James leaves after next season.
In addition, Ainge also saved Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert $29.1 million in luxury tax payments.
It was reported that Irving did not talk to his Cavalier teammates for several days during the NBA Finals, and then requested a trade shortly after Golden State won the championship in Game Five. Irving’s name was rumored to be linked with San Antonio, New York, Phoenix, and even Indiana (in an effort for the Cavs to land Paul George, who ultimately was dealt to Oklahoma City). Not once was Boston’s name mentioned in trade rumors.
This trade could be considered to be on par with if the Pittsburgh Penguins trade Sidney Crosby to the Washington Capitals for Alex Ovechkin. Irving and Thomas are two top-15 players in the league, whose skills sets are almost identical. Both score a lot of points, and neither play any defense whatsoever. Irving’s trade request seemed to be more of him wanting to get out of LeBron’s shadow, than an actual rift between the two.
Uncle Drew got his wish. Irving is headed to a Boston squad that added Al Horford and Gordon Hayward via free agency, but lost their leading scorer and defender in the deal. Thomas does not have to be the star in Cleveland, unless LeBron is not on the floor. He will be expected to repeat last season, if the Cavaliers want any chance of a fourth straight trip to the Finals (which would be LeBron’s eighth straight). Irving is now the primary option for head coach Brad Stevens. So how is Irving expected to command a team that focused their entire offseason around landing Stevens’ prized player (Hayward) from when he coached Butler to back-to-back championship game appearances in 2010 and 2011?
The simple answer is that he won’t.
Cleveland will be eternally grateful to Kyrie Irving for the rest of his natural life. However, once the regular season starts, he’s nothing more than part of the empire that is the Boston Celtics. What could have been the most awkward media day in the history of the Cavalier organization should Irving have stayed, will now turn into the third consecutive opening night at Quicken Loans Arena where Cleveland takes center stage in the sports world. In 2016 there was LeBron’s return; 2017 was the raising of the championship banner; and 2018 will be LeBron vs. Kyrie.
Kyrie went from Cleveland’s second-favorite sports star, to its primary enemy. That is, unless you grew up in a Celtics household like I did, then you get your two favorite teams playing for the rights to face Golden State yet again.
Thank you, Kyrie. Now pack your bags, and don’t miss your flight.
-JC24