I.T. still isn’t 100% healthy. . .
We’re really not sure what this rookie GM is thinking; but apparently the package deal that includes a top 2018 pick, role players and Isaiah Thomas isn’t enough for Kyrie Irving.
Friday afternoon, Isaiah flew to Cleveland for a physical, to make sure he was healthy enough to get traded. Well, Thomas would pass, but it wasn’t with flying colors – as Cleveland staff felt his hip wasn’t ready enough for the start of training camp in four weeks. He barely passed the physical (in terms of a D-), as the Cavaliers are looking to get more compensation from the trade.
Originally, they wanted stand-out rookie Jayson Tatum to be included in the trade, but Danny Ainge sent Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and the 2018 Brooklyn Nets first-round pick for Kyrie. Now, the Cavs are looking to bully their way to more assets from Beantown – ahead of Wednesday’s 10:00 am physical submission deadline and Thursday’s actual physical deadline at 10:00am ET.
So, why does this article that we’re doing matter still? Because, LeBron James is still going to the Los Angeles Lakers no matter what roster upgrades Dan Gilbert and rookie general manager Koby Altman have in place. Yes, Dwayne Wade will sign with the Cavs mid-season, but his family has already moved back to Miami – where he intends to retire next season with the Heat.
LeBron already has his mind made up on playing in purple and gold next year where he wants to go after the season, as the Cavaliers will lose all franchise players in the process. After not agreeing to sign a long-term deal, LeBron has Cleveland management concerned about the future of their franchise rebuilding just two years after winning a championship.
Reporters aren’t even mentioning that Isaiah Thomas is also an unrestricted free agent in 2018, so this will could also be a one-and-done. With Kyrie Irving being dealt, The Land now wants Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, as extra compensation; but we’re expecting Boston to call their bluff.
It’ll still look bad for both parties to have players returning (fans have already burned jerseys); but we doubt the Cavs will be able to find a better deal like this for Mr. Irving. So, as Beantown braces themselves for a possible franchise superstar to pair up with their newly acquire all-star this summer, they have a more intriguing destination next year – than their trading partner.
Let us know in the comments what you think about the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics trade saga that’s lingering into September. Also, will the trade get complete by this Friday?