BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics gives a thumbs up during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on October 2, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: during the first half at TD Garden on October 2, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving was granted his wish for a trade when the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics pulled off one of the biggest trades in the last decade to send Irving to Boston and Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder (among other pieces) to Cleveland.
Irving cited wanting to grow as a player and be the guy for a team as reasons for his trade request. It was baffling to most NBA fans as the Cavaliers have been to three straight NBA Finals and appeared primed for a fourth. Perhaps he saw the writing on the wall of LeBron James‘ potential departure next summer? Maybe. The Celtics are considered the main threat to Cleveland after signing Gordon Hayward this offseason as well, and his list of teams he would accept a trade to were mostly contenders.
Who knows how the season will play out.
One thing we do know: Irving doesn’t dunk a whole lot, so maybe the dunk was a statement to the rest of the NBA to watch out for this team of young superstars. James is still the best player in the world, but at least the Cavs run to the Finals will be much tougher now. Maybe the best part about the trade is one can make the argument that both the Cavs and Celtics got better when it was all said and done. It should make for an interesting season.
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