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

2. What did this move accomplish for the Cavaliers?

Fresh off a five-game dismantling at the hands of a Warriors team that is positioned to be a title contender over the next several seasons, the Cavaliers knew they had to get better in order to close the gap between themselves and that heavily squad in the Western Conference.

Those hopes took a blow, however, when Irving made it known he was no longer happy playing for the Cavaliers. Once this happened, newly-hired general manager Kobe Altman was placed in a difficult position, even if Irving still had two years remaining on his current contract.

With training camp rapidly approaching, Altman knew he had to make a move so the situation would not be an issue any longer than it needed to be. And in getting four players in return for the team’s former All-Star point guard, this was more than likely the best exchange he was going to get for Irving.

While James lost his running buddy, the Cavs did accomplish a couple of things. First, they got an equally talented guard who was the third-leading scorer in the NBA last season, even if he is only 5’9”.

Secondly, they got a player in Crowder who is a double-digit scorer and an above-average defender.

In layman’s terms, should the Cavs go the distance again, the task of guarding the opposing team’s best player won’t fall squarely on James’ shoulders this time around.

Does this move make the Cavs better?

In a sense, they did get deeper. Even more important, they have the pieces to contend for a playoff spot even if James does opt out of his contract after next season.