The blockbuster deal between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics centered around Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas, sent shockwaves around the league. Players and other members of the basketball community took to their social media accounts to voice out their opinions about it. Now, it’s Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert’s turn and he sent a message to the four-time All-Star point guard to thank him for all his contributions to the franchise.
The 55-year-old businessman acknowledged Irving’s efforts to place the team in a good position to continue their recent run of success. He then added in the Cavs’ news release, via Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, that he wishes him and his family all the best even if he’s not part of the Cavaliers anymore.
“On behalf of the entire franchise, I want to thank Kyrie Irving for the six impressive years he spent in Cleveland wearing the Cavaliers uniform.”
“From the moment we won the 2011 NBA lottery that put us in position to draft Kyrie to the ‘The Shot’ that sealed our first NBA championship and all of the electrifying play that made him a joy to watch, ‘excitement’ was always in the air when it came to Kyrie Irving,” Gilbert said. “We wish him and his family well as he moves on to the next phase of his NBA career.”
Irving was shipped out of Northeast Ohio on Tuesday, where the Cavs received Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and an unprotected first round pick next year in exchange for his services. The move stemmed from his trade request last month, as he wanted to have a bigger role and not to play behind LeBron James anymore.
The 25-year-old was the first overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft while Thomas was selected dead-last. Irving quickly established himself as an elite player in the league, and helped the Cavaliers win the title last year. Now with the Celtics, he is expected to be their focal point on offense, but will not lack a formidable supporting cast as the team is stacked at every position.
