The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics pulled off the biggest blockbuster trade in recent memory as they swapped superstar point guard Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas. The Wine and Gold also received wing defender Jae Crowder, promising young center Ante Zizic and the Celtics’ unprotected first round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. It was ample compensation for Irving, but the proposed trade may have hit a hurdle as of late as Thomas failed his medical with the Cavs due to his hip injury.
Murmurs around town were the Celtics were willing to deal Thomas in the first place as they suspected his injury may actually be worse than first expected. This concern was swept under the rug as the ground breaking news hit the general public, but concerns over Thomas’ long term health has grown in the recent days.
The concerns are so strong that the Cavs will likely ask for more assets from the Celtics to push this trade through, otherwise they have the ability and right to void the trade if they feel it has been done in an unfair fashion. It’s smart by the Cavaliers, who understand the value Thomas will bring to the franchise, as his main job will be to replace the scoring input Irving consistently gave them night in, night out.
All in all, it’s still likely the trade will be completed as the Cavs will eventually receive a suitable return for Irving in the coming days. When Thomas does arrive in Cleveland, it will add to growing list of talented ball players that have jumped at the opportunity to play with the best basketball player in the world – LeBron James.
James was recently voted as the player others secretly wish they had on their team through the “Players’ Voice” awards, and the four-time MVP will get right to building a strong chemistry with his new teammates. James has been renowned for making his teammates better throughout his career, and Thomas and company will be no different come this regular season. In truth, it’s hard to imagine a player that wouldn’t be able to play with the three-time champion.
It’s likely the King and scoring machine will mesh perfectly, as James’ unselfish, pass-first nature will compliment Thomas’ desire to score the ball and get buckets. They may be teammates now, but Thomas vividly remembers James welcoming him into the league with one of his signature chase down blocks during his rookie season.
Every passing season the list of James’ chase down victim grows, and it looks as though Thomas joined that list early in his career. The addition of Thomas has Cavs’ fans excited about this upcoming season, as the quest for another championship in Northeast Ohio rages on.
