At 5:14 pm Mountian Time, the NBA world erupted while Guards Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas were traded for each other. Let's just get down to business.
Boston Receives: Kyrie Irving
A versatile scorer who can play on all three levels, three point shot, mid-range, and inside the paint. He is bigger, stronger, and a tad bit better defender and player than Isaiah Thomas. Hopefully, he can adjust to the pass first system in Boston with the movement and flow that is the Boston offense. The advantage that Boston receives is they can wait two more years on paying their Point Guard and push their timeline back while getting a better player.
The problem Boston runs into with this trade is the sacrifice of an established perimeter defender and three point shooter in Jae Crowder, which will make it difficult for Boston to keep their top notch defense last season. The biggest issue with this deal is the unprotected 2018 Brooklyn Nets pick. The 18' draft class top five a phenomenal class and has been highly coveted for a very long time. That's where I find the issue with this trade for Boston.
Overall Grade: B+
Cleveland Receives Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and an unprotected 2018 Brooklyn Nets First Round Pick.
Isaiah Thomas is a fireball offensively and had one of the best offensive seasons in the history of the NBA. He can't defend worth a lick, though. He was rated 467 out of 468 in Defensive Plus Minus. Thomas is small (5'9) and coming off a hip injury suffered in the Playoffs last season, he is on an expiring contract and fits well with LeBron James. He makes the loss of Kyrie not hurt at all other than the potential for losing him the next season.
Jae Crowder is a fierce defender and can shoot the three well (shot 39% from three.) This is a huge coup for the Cavs, who needed a wing defender while also being a shooter. If he can "defend" Kevin Durant or other top wings, it'll give Lebron a huge break on the defensive end. Ante Zizic is a nice piece but nothing to write home about, a solid center who can carve out some minutes.
The biggest win in this trade for Cleveland is the unprotected 2018 Brooklyn Nets pick that has the potential for further deals down the line or simply an excellent top pick at with an awesome draft class. With the likes of Porter Jr., Luka Doncic, or Marvin Bagley available.
This is the best of both worlds for Cleveland, you get talent for this upcoming season with LeBron still in the fold, and you get future assets for the after life without Lebron James if that happens. A great haul for the Cavs.
Overall Grade: A+
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