Like they say, there truly is no NBA offseason. This past evening, Kyrie Irving has officially been traded to the Boston Celtics. What a time to be alive.
Trade Details:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round pick.
Why The Trade Works Long-term
The trade probably favors both teams long-term more than people think. The Celtics don’t have to worry about re-signing a max contract player for another two years not instead of one. Kyrie also is young, which means offering more money makes sense.
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Irving will be 27 when his deal is up, Thomas 29. Crowder also has always been an expendable piece a Jaylen Brown and now Jayson Tatum are the longterm options at SF.
On the Cavs end, Zizic will turn in to a quality bench center. They get a really good, not great but really good Nets pick which I will touch on in a few moments. Thomas and Crowder also help them win now.
Why The Nets Pick Shouldn’t Draw As Much Attention
The last two offseasons the Nets have tried their absolute hardest to get better, and they have. The East has also gotten MUCH worse. The Nets have a core of D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert, Sean Kilpatrick, Allen Crabbe and and DeMarre Carroll to work with. That can win 30 games.
Plus, rookie Jarrett Allen should be pretty good out the gate. That’s a roster of a team with 30-35 wins. They also have no reason to throw games. I am not saying they will make the playoffs, but they won’t be a top five pick.
The Celtics Add Experience To The Team
The Celtics have some experience under their belt now having been to a conference finals, but no one on the team matches Kyrie. He has been to three straight NBA Finals, three straight conference finals, played the best team of all-time arguably three straight times, and hit a clutch shot to beat them in a Game 7.
Irving might not be the best basketball IQ ever, but there is a lot he can teach the team.
They Are About The Same Caliber Of Player
I personally think currently Thomas is better, but by a sliver. Thomas is more of a potent scorer, Irving has better handles. They are equally good at passing but Thomas is a better facilitator and runs the offense better. The latter though is something Irving can learn under Brad Stevens.
Now, neither players are good defenders, Thomas possibly being the worst in the NBA, but Irving isn’t far behind him. The thing that Irving has on his side though is more length, which is always helpful in almost every situation.
The Celtics Need Two More Bigs Still
Crowder isn’t a big, but he plays big, and can play the four. Hayward can’t, Tatum can’t, Brown can’t, Morris can. The starting five is set, but they now needed a back up PF/C, someone who is versatile, and an end of the bench center.
That would solidify the roster, in my opinion.
The Playoffs
The conference finals for the East this year is going to be a battle for BLOOD.
Hayward vs. Crowder
Irving vs. LeBron
Marcus Smart vs. Everyone
Isaiah vs. Boston
The Celtics Kind Of Did IT4 Dirty
I know, I know it is a business, but that man did a lot. He took a struggling team and brought them back to the playoffs and essentially the promise land. He made them an appealing landing spot for two All-Stars in back-to-back offseasons. I know, he is going to the same caliber of team, but personally, I do feel bad for the man. I really liked him both on and off the court.
Must Read: NBA: Way-too-early Western Conference predictions for 2017-18
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