4 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers won the Kyrie Irving trade

It helps the Cavs beat the Warriors

Cleveland entered the offseason with a goal of getting younger on the bench.

Mission accomplished.

Jae Crowder is the athletic, wing player who Cavs fans wish Iman Shumpert still was, and his presence helps the franchise match up a whole lot better against the reigning NBA champs.

Imagine starting Thomas, Smith, LeBron, Love and Tristan against Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and ZaZa.

Lue’s first moves to the bench could be for Derrick Rose or Crowder. He’ll also have Kyle Carver’s shooting, and hopefully, a serviceable Shumpert returns for the new campaign.

In addition to these veterans, Cedi Osman is ready to play NBA basketball. He’s young and unproven, but defense was his speciality while playing in Turkey.

So while the Cavs lost star power by dealing Irving, they addd a point guard in Thomas who is capable of making life equally hectic for the Warriors while all the while getting a player in Crowder who can really contribute off the bench.