Analyzing the Implications of the Kyrie Irving Trade
How does Kyrie’s trade to Boston change the dynamic between the Eastern Conference’s top two contenders?

It was only a matter of time.
Upon the news breaking last month that All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving met with Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and requested a trade in hopes of becoming more of a focal point and breaking away from the shadow of playing alongside LeBron James, it was evident a trade would be coming. The only questions were where and when?
Gilbert and the Cavaliers granted Irving his wish on Tuesday, trading him to the Boston Celtics in exchange for point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 unprotected first-round pick.
The Celtics acquired Irving, 25, to pair with Gordon Hayward, the team’s marquee free agent signing this offseason, and Al Horford as well as rookie Jayson Tatum. While Irving will be the Celtics’ focal point, it remains to be seen if is his presence will be enough for Boston to finally clear the hurdle that is LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
Initially, this looks to be one of those trades where both sides are content, but it’s difficult to judge a winner, particularly given the precarious contract situations of both Irving and James. Irving has three years and $60 million left on his contract, but he can opt out of the final year before the 2019–20 season. James has been heavily rumored to leave the Cavaliers after this season. If both Irving and James are in different uniforms in three seasons, this trade likely won’t have greatly impacted either team.
However, looking ahead to next season, the Celtics now only have just four players on their roster from last season’s team that won 53 games and earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Boston’s roster overhaul also saw the departures of Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk and Amir Johnson in addition to Thomas and Crowder.
It’s tough to determine how much better the Celtics are with the addition of Irving, particularly because of their large roster turnover this summer. Irving is an electrifying point guard who can score at will and create optimal scoring opportunities for his teammates, much the same way Thomas does.
While swapping Thomas for Irving is a wash in terms of offensive skillset, the loss of Crowder shouldn’t be overlooked. Crowder is one of the best two-way players in the NBA and was one of Boston’s anchors throughout last season. Crowder averaged 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds last season.
He is also on an extremely team friendly contract and does not become a free agent until 2020. His cap hits for the next three seasons are $6.8 million, $7.3 million and $7.8 million, respectively.
Crowder should fit in just perfectly for the Cavs and pairing him alongside Tristan Thompson gives the Cavs a formidable defensive duo with size in the frontcourt.

In securing the Nets’ first round pick in next season’s draft, the Cavaliers also set themselves up for the future. The pick is likely to be in the lottery considering how atrocious the Nets are and the great news for Cleveland is that next season’s draft is spewing with top-heavy talent.
With that in mind, the Cavaliers may be able to pair the pick alongside LeBron James should he remain with the franchise. However, even if he bolts, they will likely draft a franchise player to build around for years to come.
The main predicament for the Cavs after this trade is Thomas’ contract situation. Thomas is set to become a free agent after this season and has previously hinted that he would like a max deal. He averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists the regular season but has spent the offseason recovering from a right hip injury that forced him to miss the final three games of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The gap between the Cavaliers and Celtics seems to have not shifted even after Tuesday’s blockbuster trade between the two contenders, but that remains to be seen after the new season begins in October.
What we do know is that NBA fans should thank the schedule makers, as the Celtics and Cavaliers tip off the new season on Oct. 17 in Cleveland in what is sure to be an exciting season-opening matchup.

