In perhaps the biggest off-season deal so far, Kyrie Irving will be traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic & 2018 first rounder from Brooklyn.
Irving has also agreed to waive his trade kicker to complete the deal, a league source told The Vertical, who reported the news first and has since been confirmed by other news outlets.
The 1st player of the 2011 draft was just traded for the last player in the SAME DRAFT. pic.twitter.com/Aa08VeYbTN
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 22, 2017
Irving requested a trade away from the Cavaliers July 21 after meeting with the team’s front office, and his status had been in question since.
Irving’s move means that fans in London will be able to see Uncle Drew play for the Celtics when they head to the O2 Arena to play the Philadelphia 76ers on January 11.
The 2014 Basketball World Cup MVP will no doubt lead the Celtics, where as Thomas will join the Cavaliers, playing second fiddle to LeBron James.
Thomas, a two-time All-Star, is coming off his best season for Boston, last season averaging 28.9 points and 5.9 assists. Irving averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists for the Cavs.
“This has obviously been a rollercoaster of a day for us, trading Isaiah and Jae and Ante, especially Isaiah and Jae who have been such a big part of our team and our success and our Celtic culture as leaders of our team,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations, Danny Ainge.
“Very very difficult day and at the same time a very exciting time for one of the best offensive players in the league. An NBA Champion, and Olympic Champion, an All-Star with some of his best years ahead of him at just 25-years-old. Looking forward to the opportunity of working with Kyrie and getting a chance to see him in a Celtic uniform.”
