Shams: Cleveland and Boston have agreement on deal to send Kyrie Irving to the Celtics for Isaiah Thomas package to Cavs

[Tokey41]

For all of the praise Ainge gets he definitely choked this offseason. Butler or George would have made them a threat to finally dethrone the Cavs by giving them someone to match up with LeBron on both ends, other than Crowder... instead they get out of paying Thomas AND give up Crowder, the guy most likely to make their biggest rival work for his baskets? Do they really think Brown or Tatum are ready for that responsibility? Hayward might as well be a pylon.

The best part of this trade is we may actually get to see if LeBron has another level if he meets Kyrie in the playoffs. I give the Celtics a 0% chance of making it to the finals next year if they have to face the Cavs.

[OAKLEY_2]

Wow, I'm in shock that the Cavs got that much for a player who publicly made it clear he wanted out. Cavs were basically trading pennies on the dollar and they still walk out with Thomas, Crowder and a potential Top 5 pick in a loaded draft next year? lol I can't believe Ainge cracked so badly and gave away that much for a guy like Irving. Sure, he's an upgrade at PG over Thomas, but is he THAT much better? I don't know.

Gilbert just did an even better trade than Masai did for Melo.

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

[OAKLEY_2]

Wow, I'm in shock that the Cavs got that much for a player who publicly made it clear he wanted out. Cavs were basically trading pennies on the dollar and they still walk out with Thomas, Crowder and a potential Top 5 pick in a loaded draft next year? lol I can't believe Ainge cracked so badly and gave away that much for a guy like Irving. Sure, he's an upgrade at PG over Thomas, but is he THAT much better? I don't know.

Gilbert just did an even better trade than Masai did for Melo.

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

Would not be at all surprised if we are duking it out with the Celts for fourth. Bucks are ready to leapfrog because next to LBJ he is the best star in the East.

1.Cavs
2. Wiz
3. Bucks
4. Rapz/Smelts

Or

1. Cavs
2. Wiz
3. Rapz/Smelts
4. Bucks

[HangTime]

Is this the first time the first and last pick from the same draft class were main players in a trade?

[rapcity10]

Boston won this trade in my opinion

1) Thomas has one year left on his deal and is looking for the MAX to be thrown at him. He is 29 years old and is coming off a hip injury that will have him sidelined to start the season. Irving has 2 years remaining on his deal and allows the celtics more flexibility to fit their time frame.

2) Kyrie is a 25 year old all-star point guard that is poised for a breakout in Brad Stevens system. Just look what Brad was able to do with Thomas last year, he will make life much easier for Kyrie.

3) Kyrie Irving is already a better player than Thomas. Irving gives you better percentages across the board, had a lower usage rate throughout the season while playing more minutes than Thomas.

4) Consistency. Irving shows up when it matters in the playoffs.... Thomas on the other hand turns into playoff Lowry when the bright lights come on.

5) Picks. How many picks do they need? the celtics just had back to back top 3 picks and have the Lakers pick this year and a handful of other picks in 2019 they could afford to part ways with the Nets pick. They had the opportunity to get an Superstar point guard for a guy that they didn't even plan on paying and a draft pick.

I think a lot of people are sleeping on Kyrie Irving because they think LeBon "MADE" him who he is. Kyrie will finish top 3 in the MVP race this year and prove a lot of people wrong. He is no longer in the shadow of LeBron and is now playing for one of the best coaches in the NBA running one of the best systems in the league.

Well said. Thank you.

[islandboy53]

Sorry I misread your original post. I just don't see Hayward taking away from Kyries shot at MVP. I'm not saying he will win the award but I can see him being top 3 next year. Basically every MVP candidate this year has good players on their team except maybe Leonard now.

Where do you get this idea that Irving is going to somehow elevate his game to MVP-levels (despite not showing anything even close to that trajectory in his career so far)?

He was the 4th best PG in the east last year (not even 4th best player). He'd need to take a massive step forward to even be in the discussion for MVP.

The only PG better than Irving in the east is John Wall and that's even debatable.You're acting like a 25 year old can't improve he was already putting up star numbers as the number 2 option. Now he is the face of the Celtics and will be put in a system that is run by a top 5 coach in the NBA. Look what Brad Stevens was able to do with Thomas, Irving is the better player and will showcase his talents once the season starts. Like i said man, save my quotes and we will address this later on in the season.

Your quotes are always worth saving.

[rapcity10]

I just don't get something, if we were in bostons position, we would be creating threads about how many finals were going to make in the next 5 years. It amazes me. If we switched rosters with the celtics and switched coaches as well, you guys would be creaming your pants.

The reverse could be said of you. If the Raptors had done this you'd be pointing out everything everyone else has been and asking how special a big 3 of a decling Al Horford, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving really was in a league that features Lebron, Durant and Curry. You'd be asking why we helped our direct competitor and made it harder for us to actually get out of the East. You'd be asking why we blew assets for a peak below dynasty level when it could have been dynasty level and how we ended up without a single player or prospect who projects to be (with defence factored in) a top 15 NBA player.

Kyrie Irving was ranked 12th to I.T.'s 13th in point guard Real Plus Minus! This trade offer is the kind of thing you put out for a top 5 NBA 2-way MVP type. Not a guy with his own injury history who is an awful lot like your I.T. In both offence and horrible defence.

When the Raptors do something you often approach it from the perspective of somebody who loathes the Raptors. When the Raptors competitors do something you often act like the sky is falling and that the other team just became the next Warriors.

This is the Raptors fan board. Obviously many of us are going to find different ways to get excited about the Raptors season or the missteps of our rivals during an era of Golden State dominance.

Stop this nonsense, you get excited over prospects like wright, siakam, and Potel. If we had Irving, Kyrie F'n Irving! Same man that puts on a show in the finals for three straight years, and in the playoffs. Top 8 all time ppg average in the finals, plus Tatum, brown, Hayward, lakers/kings pick, Memphis pick, smart, Brad Stevens you wouldn't stop talking about it. Don't try convincing yourself otherwises, please stop. It's nonesene to think you wouldn't be boosting us as some sort of future juggernaut. Keep convincing yourself otherwise tho. All good.

[Moose23]

this move makes both teams better, imo

Boston has upgraded at the point of attack. Irving is a player that will excel under Stevens and him playing in Thomas' role from last year will be so much better at it. They have had a very good offseason. Losing Bradley hurts them, but will be offset by the additions of yrie, Morris and of course Hayward. They will be the top 1-2 team in the East again next season depending on how hard Lebron tries in the regular season

Cavs have added some depth, IT playing off Lebron will fill the roll as well as Irving was in that roll(which limited Irving) Crowder will be a nice addition for them as well, but I question as to where he plays. I do not think Crowder can play sg or pf so that might make Lebron play more PF if the 2 are going to share the floor.

BAd for raptors, seeing how they have set themselves up for the next 3 years, and Boston is looking to be better than us for those 3 years, and their future assets for season 4- are ALOT better than ours.

[Mr Burns]

Where do you get this idea that Irving is going to somehow elevate his game to MVP-levels (despite not showing anything even close to that trajectory in his career so far)?

He was the 4th best PG in the east last year (not even 4th best player). He'd need to take a massive step forward to even be in the discussion for MVP.

The only PG better than Irving in the east is John Wall and that's even debatable.You're acting like a 25 year old can't improve he was already putting up star numbers as the number 2 option. Now he is the face of the Celtics and will be put in a system that is run by a top 5 coach in the NBA. Look what Brad Stevens was able to do with Thomas, Irving is the better player and will showcase his talents once the season starts. Like i said man, save my quotes and we will address this later on in the season.

Your quotes are always worth saving.

Thanks for adding something of value to the discussion, now do us all a favour and go **** yourself.

[HolyMage110]

I think Cavs won this trade. Kyrie has yet to show he can carry a team without Lebron. IT has proven that last year

[Raps in 4]

Gilbert just did an even better trade than Masai did for Melo.

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

Would not be at all surprised if we are duking it out with the Celts for fourth. Bucks are ready to leapfrog because next to LBJ he is the best star in the East.

1.Cavs
2. Wiz
3. Bucks
4. Rapz/Smelts

Or

1. Cavs
2. Wiz
3. Rapz/Smelts
4. Bucks

Why do you have the Wizards at #2? They got worse from last season, and they were already the fourth seed. They're certainly not better than us or Boston.

[Raps in 4]

this move makes both teams better, imo

Boston has upgraded at the point of attack. Irving is a player that will excel under Stevens and him playing in Thomas' role from last year will be so much better at it. They have had a very good offseason. Losing Bradley hurts them, but will be offset by the additions of yrie, Morris and of course Hayward. They will be the top 1-2 team in the East again next season depending on how hard Lebron tries in the regular season

Cavs have added some depth, IT playing off Lebron will fill the roll as well as Irving was in that roll(which limited Irving) Crowder will be a nice addition for them as well, but I question as to where he plays. I do not think Crowder can play sg or pf so that might make Lebron play more PF if the 2 are going to share the floor.

BAd for raptors, seeing how they have set themselves up for the next 3 years, and Boston is looking to be better than us for those 3 years, and their future assets for season 4- are ALOT better than ours.

I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that Boston will be better than us. We still have the best player on either team. We also matched up extremely well against them last year. Irving doesn't improve their defence at all, although he might give Lowry more trouble offensively than IT did. Hayward is the X-factor really. I think we'll be pretty close this year, considering the gap between us last season (they've closed the gap, but I don't know if they've pulled ahead).

[gerrit4]

I just don't get something, if we were in bostons position, we would be creating threads about how many finals were going to make in the next 5 years. It amazes me. If we switched rosters with the celtics and switched coaches as well, you guys would be creaming your pants.

The reverse could be said of you. If the Raptors had done this you'd be pointing out everything everyone else has been and asking how special a big 3 of a decling Al Horford, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving really was in a league that features Lebron, Durant and Curry. You'd be asking why we helped our direct competitor and made it harder for us to actually get out of the East. You'd be asking why we blew assets for a peak below dynasty level when it could have been dynasty level and how we ended up without a single player or prospect who projects to be (with defence factored in) a top 15 NBA player.

Kyrie Irving was ranked 12th to I.T.'s 13th in point guard Real Plus Minus! This trade offer is the kind of thing you put out for a top 5 NBA 2-way MVP type. Not a guy with his own injury history who is an awful lot like your I.T. In both offence and horrible defence.

When the Raptors do something you often approach it from the perspective of somebody who loathes the Raptors. When the Raptors competitors do something you often act like the sky is falling and that the other team just became the next Warriors.

This is the Raptors fan board. Obviously many of us are going to find different ways to get excited about the Raptors season or the missteps of our rivals during an era of Golden State dominance.

Stop this nonsense, you get excited over prospects like wright, siakam, and Potel. If we had Irving, Kyrie F'n Irving! Same man that puts on a show in the finals for three straight years, and in the playoffs. Top 8 all time ppg average in the finals, plus Tatum, brown, Hayward, lakers/kings pick, Memphis pick, smart, Brad Stevens you wouldn't stop talking about it. Don't try convincing yourself otherwises, please stop. It's nonesene to think you wouldn't be boosting us as some sort of future juggernaut. Keep convincing yourself otherwise tho. All good.

Kyrie only played in the finals for 2 straight years, but otherwise, valid points.

[Bankai]

Wow, I'm in shock that the Cavs got that much for a player who publicly made it clear he wanted out. Cavs were basically trading pennies on the dollar and they still walk out with Thomas, Crowder and a potential Top 5 pick in a loaded draft next year? lol I can't believe Ainge cracked so badly and gave away that much for a guy like Irving. Sure, he's an upgrade at PG over Thomas, but is he THAT much better? I don't know.

Gilbert just did an even better trade than Masai did for Melo.

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

Gilbert is gone

And im willing to also bet my account with Mr.Burns that Irving doesent become half the player Mr.Burns thinks he is going to be as a Celtic. Im willing to throw this account away to prove him wrong.

[PhilBlackson]

Gilbert just did an even better trade than Masai did for Melo.

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

Gilbert is gone

When did he sell the franchise?

[Bankai]

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

Gilbert is gone

When did he sell the franchise?

I was thinking David Griffin, my bad.

[Mr Burns]

Gilbert just did an even better trade than Masai did for Melo.

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

Gilbert is gone

And im willing to also bet my account with Mr.Burns that Irving doesent become half the player Mr.Burns thinks he is going to be as a Celtic. Im willing to throw this account away to prove him wrong.

Bet me your account then.

[Moose23]

I think Cavs won this trade. Kyrie has yet to show he can carry a team without Lebron. IT has proven that last year

Irving doesnt have to carry the team. He has hayward etc to work with

[PhilBlackson]

Who needs a GM or scouting staff when you have Gilbert!

Gilbert is gone

And im willing to also bet my account with Mr.Burns that Irving doesent become half the player Mr.Burns thinks he is going to be as a Celtic. Im willing to throw this account away to prove him wrong.

Bet me your account then.

Lol love the action on the boards

Btw how will you guys quantify Irving becoming "half the player Mr. Burns" thinks he is???

[Moose23]

this move makes both teams better, imo

Boston has upgraded at the point of attack. Irving is a player that will excel under Stevens and him playing in Thomas' role from last year will be so much better at it. They have had a very good offseason. Losing Bradley hurts them, but will be offset by the additions of yrie, Morris and of course Hayward. They will be the top 1-2 team in the East again next season depending on how hard Lebron tries in the regular season

Cavs have added some depth, IT playing off Lebron will fill the roll as well as Irving was in that roll(which limited Irving) Crowder will be a nice addition for them as well, but I question as to where he plays. I do not think Crowder can play sg or pf so that might make Lebron play more PF if the 2 are going to share the floor.

BAd for raptors, seeing how they have set themselves up for the next 3 years, and Boston is looking to be better than us for those 3 years, and their future assets for season 4- are ALOT better than ours.

I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that Boston will be better than us. We still have the best player on either team. We also matched up extremely well against them last year. Irving doesn't improve their defence at all, although he might give Lowry more trouble offensively than IT did. Hayward is the X-factor really. I think we'll be pretty close this year, considering the gap between us last season (they've closed the gap, but I don't know if they've pulled ahead).

They are better. They were better last season and they improved...we got worse