Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Rose remains crucial part of Kyrie Irving trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers signing of former-MVP point guard Derrick Rose is vital for the Boston-Irving deal’s completion.

The Cleveland Cavaliers agreement with the Boston Celtics to swap superstar PG Kyrie Irving for PG Isaiah Thomas, SF Jae Crowder, C Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets 2018 first-round pick was a done-deal. New Cavaliers general manager, Koby Altman, and his handling of the Irving situation drew praise league-wide.

Then, all hell broke loose.

The Cavaliers concerns over Thomas’ hip grew after their mandatory physical with the all-star guard, and rumors of the deal falling apart spread.

Is Thomas missing significant time really that crucial to the trade? It seems the team’s addition of former-MVP Derrick Rose has been completely forgotten.

Factory of Sadness site expert Nick Dudukovich broke down the situation flawlessly Sunday:

"The Cavs were well aware of Thomas’ injury before the mega trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics, but after Thomas was in town to take a physical, there’s some speculation the Cleveland could void the deal.Some of that may have to do with the fact that Thomas hasn’t even attempted to run since the injury robbed him of finishing the season, according to Wojnarowski.The crown jewel of this trade is the unprotected Brooklyn draft pick the Celtics sent the Cavs’ way. That’s what wins the press conference. The Cavs will be able to point to that pick and sell it to the fan base.It’ll be even more valuable should LeBron James part after this season."

With the “crown jewel” of the deal being the Nets’ pick, it should remain the sole focus of the Cavaliers and their fans. If the LeBron James-led Cavs place as little importance on the regular season as they say, Thomas missing 60-70 games should be no problem.

With Irving or without, the Cavaliers will win the Eastern Conference in 2017-18. The potential-addition of Crowder is crucial for the team’s defensive woes. Zizic also provides big-man depth for head coach Tyronn Lue.

I’m well aware playing with fireworks is far safer than relying on Rose’s health. But in 64 games with the New York Knicks last season, Rose played his best basketball in years:

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

The most impressive stat from Rose’s 2016-17 season is his averaging of 32.5 minutes in 64 games played — his highest since 2011-12. In fact, Rose reached heights last season he hasn’t seen since his all-star days in Chicago.

• FG per game (7.2) — highest since 2011-12
• FG% (47.1) — highest since 2009-10
• FTA per game (4.0) — highest since 2011-12
• TO per game (2.3) — lowest total of career

I’m not saying James possesses the ability to make Rose an all-star again. But if one man could save Rose from being the punchline of every injury joke, it’s James. Their working out together in Las Vegas is a positive sign for the Cavaliers, and his taking just $2.1 million proves his commitment to winning.

Thus, comfort should come knowing the Cavaliers have a veteran PG to lead the way until Thomas is healthy. Sure, Thomas’ contract is up at the end of the season — making this a rental (pending James’ decision in free agency).

As Dudukovich noted, the prime asset in this deal is the dreadful-Nets 2018 first-round pick. There’s no certainty beyond this season for the Cavaliers organization. Sure to be a lottery pick, it provides an opportunity to rebuild around an exciting young talent.

Acquiring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, or an additional-pick from the Celtics would be nice. But the deal remains OK as is. If Rose repeats his durability from last season, with occasional rest, there’s no reason to believe the Cavs won’t thrive.

A LeBron James-Kevin Love-Derrick Rose trio isn’t as sexy as one including Irving, but it may provide more efficiency on offense. Rose has proved he can distribute, and when Thomas returns he can shift to the backup spot. Hopefully, replacing free-agent addition Jose Calderon.

Does the deal put the Cavaliers ahead of the Golden State Warriors?

Absolutely not.

Although, it puts them in position to win the East once again, and take another swing at Goliath.

Next: Rumor mill: Celtics must add Brown or Tatum for Kyrie

Remember, James makes every player around him better. Why would it be any different with Derrick Rose?