4 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers won the Kyrie Irving trade
Four reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers won the Kyrie Irving trade, and not the Boston Celtics, who are dreaming about titles with their new point guard.
A sad day in Cleveland for sure, as Kyrie Irving, the owner of the town’s biggest sports moment, was traded away for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and a first-round pick.
The Cavs were in a tough spot, because they were never going to get equal value in a Kyrie Irving trade.
With that said, the front office did an excellent job in dealing Irving. Here’s 4 reasons why…
The Cavs are still favorites in the East
Kyrie Irving’s new team is already being picked by some to win the Eastern Conference. Don’t jump on this bandwagon, which is only likely to circle and crash come playoff time.
The Celtics are an improved team with the addition of Irving, playing alongside Gordon Hayward.
But second-year man Jaylen Brown, who gets talked up a lot for his defense, still has a lot to prove. Rookie Jayson Tatum, who the Cavs coveted in a potential trade, also possesses start potential, but right now, it’s just that: potential.
So even with the big shakeup in Boston, the Cavs are still the team to beat.
I just checked the Cavs website, and it turns out LeBron James is still on the team, and he’s still the best player in the world.
Plus, Kevin Love‘s still around too, and he’s coming off an All-Star season.
Throw in Thomas to the mix, and that’s a pretty good trio. The Big 3 may not be as giant as it once was, but it’s still pretty darn large.
.@ShamsCharania breaks down the blockbuster trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics and Isaiah Thomas to the Cavaliers. pic.twitter.com/n6mWRxHxY5
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) August 23, 2017
Don’t forget all the money Danny Ainge shelled out to Al Horford before the start of last season. And while your remembering that, keep in mind how Tristan Thompson still schooled him on the glass and around the basket during the playoffs.
The Celtics are better, but the Cavs haven’t really taken a huge step back. Thomas, who averaged 5.9 assists last season, may be the “playmaker” LeBron was pining for last winter.
Plus, Jae Crowder is an athletic wing player who’s improved as a scorer. He’s also a rugged defender the Celtics will undoubtedly miss.
As long as LeBron’s on the team, the Cavs have to take their shot, and that’s what GM Koby Altman has afforded his team the chance to do with this trade.