In our recap earlier today of where things stand on the Kyrie Irving front, we passed along several items of interest from ESPN’s Zach Lowe, who identified a number of potential trade partners for the Cavaliers if their deal with the Celtics falls through. Lowe also cited sources who said that there’s at least a slight chance Isaiah Thomas could miss the entire 2017/18 season if his recovery doesn’t progress as smoothly as hoped.
Lowe’s in-depth piece on the Irving situation included a few more noteworthy details, which we’ll pass along here:
- Timing played a major part in the Celtics‘ decision to go hard after Irving, rather than Paul George or Jimmy Butler. As Lowe notes, the team wanted to add two star players this summer, but wanted to make sure it could land Gordon Hayward in free agency before giving up key assets for that second star. Because the Bulls and Pacers agreed in June to trade their stars, they were no longer options for Boston, post-Hayward.
- Irving’s age was also a key consideration for the Celtics, says Lowe. With Boston poised to build around young pieces like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the fact that Irving is two years younger than either George or Butler was important, and allows the C’s to extend their window of contention.
- The Celtics also had some concerns about how Butler and Hayward might mesh – on and off the court – if they were to acquire both players, sources tell Lowe.
- Even if the Celtics have to include a little more in the Irving deal to get it done, they still may be the most well-stocked team in the league in terms of trade assets, according to Lowe, who notes that could become important if the Pelicans eventually make Anthony Davis available. There’s no indication at this point that New Orleans will do so, but the Celtics’ eyes “are very much trained on” Davis, says Lowe.
- According to Lowe, if Irving officially becomes a Celtic, he could play a part in helping to recruit an additional superstar, since the league’s stars respect Irving’s “ballsy showman’s game.” Celtics president Danny Ainge likes Irving more than many of his peers around the NBA for some of the same reasons, Lowe adds.
All the more reason the Cavs should keep him. Screw him, he’s under contract for two more years. He can’t force a trade. The team who gets the best player, typically wins the trade. Don’t do it.
Pretty certain IT is a FA after the upcoming season
He’s taking about kyrie being under contract for the next two years not Thomas.
Cavs need to void this and take Milwaukee’s offer.
Milwaukee’s offer is garbage. No one can offer a package with as many GOOD assets as the Celtics. Since the Cavs will be rebuilding after LeFlop ditches them AGAIN, it would be better to take Bostons offer.
Saying Brogdon and Middleton is garbage rates your prediction on James leaving. Typical of people with that bent.
If I were the Celtics and the Cavs ask for another 1st round pick, then I would counter by saying that’s fine but now the Brooklyn #1 pick we gave you is top 4 protected for us.
And why would Cavs agree to that. They’re not putting protections on the pick.
No, you really can’t protect another team’s pick without it losing most of its trade value or having a potentially equal alternative. Philly protected LA’s pick 1, and 5-on, but backed it with either their or Sac’s pick the next year. Celts would need to put that pick (whichever they get) in the deal if Nets pick was retained. That still dilutes the Nets pick because by 2019 Philly and Sac don’t necessarily project so bad.
You guys need to chill. The situation isn’t as bad as these reports make it.
Cavs’ aren’t limited to current “rumored” offers which were “rumored” to be rejected. Nobody expected offers to get serious until closer to preseason or into it. Get comfortable with IT’s injury or void the trade. Boston won’t (and shouldn’t) make another offer until the first one is rejected/voided. If nothing comes about, which I doubt, KI will just have to suck it up and start the season with the Cavs. He can’t hold out, despite what he says. In any case, there’s no rush.