NBA: 5 biggest takeaways from Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade

5. Miscellaneous takeaways

More times than not, when players issue a request to be traded to another organization, it is because the team they are on has no chance of competing for championships. Although the Cavs have fallen to the Golden State Warriors in two of those three Finals appearances, they have been the toast of the East over the past three seasons.

So the fact that Irving wanted out of a situation in which he has flourished is somewhat surprising. It is also worth noting that this is the first time in the modern era (since 1966) that the No. 1 overall pick in a draft was traded for the last player selected in same draft. Irving was the top pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, while Thomas was taken by the Sacramento Kings at No. 60.

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According to Elias Sports, this is the first time two teams that have met in the conference finals swapped players in the following offseason.

Furthermore, this move represents the first time in which two players who averaged more than 25 points per contest were traded the following year. Throw in the fact that both are All-Stars and considered dynamic point guards, and it appears the Cavs and Celts have traded for virtually the same player.

Lastly, it is only fitting these two teams square off on the first night of the season, and it will be interesting to see the level of intensity both sides will play with on opening night.