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Cleveland Cavaliers: How the Kyrie Irving trade will help in 2017-18

By Nicholas Gonzalez

INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Cleveland Cavaliers players Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder joke during their introductory press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
INDEPENDENCE, OH - SEPTEMBER 7: Cleveland Cavaliers players Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder joke during their introductory press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 7, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Despite losing an offensive mastermind in Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers might be much better off in 2017-18

When the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics completed a blockbuster trade centered around Kyrie Irving, there was predictably mixed returns.

Despite the mixed reviews, Cleveland didn’t just make a deal for the future when they moved Kyrie. They will be aided by the deal in 2017-18 too.

Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas are about the same caliber of player, both are exceptional offensive talents and below average on the defensive end. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different answer. Although, they’re essentially in the same tier.

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As far as why Isaiah Thomas might currently be a better fit for Cleveland is simple. He has the same potent scoring ability as Kyrie, where he can just explode, but he also is a much better floor general which will be crucial when LeBron James is off the court.

The Cleveland Cavaliers also added two other players who will impact the team immediately. Jae Crowder and Ante Zizic, who were also acquired in the trade with Boston, will have important roles on the Cleveland team almost immediately.

Crowder will help ease Cedi Osman in to the rotation and provide much better permitter defending as well as helping LeBron get rest. Zizic will be in his first year over, and hopefully he can transition well and be a valuable player for the Cavs off the bench.

Another way this helps Cleveland is mentally. They were 1-2 against GSW in the past three attempts and this kind of a clean slate for them. They added a few new guys who are hungry and motivated to try and help Cleveland bring home a second ring.

The pressure is also off them in a sense. People really think Boston will compete and possibly overtake the Cavs this season, and everyone is expected GSW to run away with everything.

Must Read: Ranking the four blockbuster trades from a frantic NBA summer

For once, LeBron James might be a genuine underdog, to possibly TWO teams. I genuinely think the Cleveland Cavaliers improved in this trade not only in the future, but right now as well.

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