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Cleveland Cavaliers: Complete 2017 offseason grades

By Josh Cornelissen

BOSTON, MA - MAY 17: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shakes hands with Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics before the game during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 17: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shakes hands with Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics before the game during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Traded Irving for Thomas

The tension and drama of the Cleveland Cavaliers was stretched to the limit when it was revealed that All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving was requesting to be traded to another team. Memories of Shaq and Kobe, predictions about Klay Thompson following the same path, and questions about where Kyrie would end up dominated NBA discussions during a period that is generally quiet.

When the Cavaliers did pull the trigger on a deal, it was with a surprising partner — the Boston Celtics. Boston is easily the biggest threat to the Cavaliers in the East, Kyrie Irving or no, and as such it was shocking to see the Cavaliers dealing with them, especially on such a scale.

But trade they did, sending Kyrie Irving to the Celtics in exchange for All-NBA guard Isaiah Thomas, wing Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 unprotected pick. However, when the Cavs did their medical testing on Thomas they saw something they didn’t like, and returned to Boston to demand a higher ransom. In the end Boston didn’t flinch, merely blinked, and tossed in a future second round pick.

From the Cavaliers perspective, a healthy Thomas replicates 80-90 percent of Irving’s production on both ends of the court. Slot him in, add the defensive ace Crowder, and the center Zizic, and suddenly the Cavaliers have rotation players that can challenge the Warriors’ versatility. The Brooklyn pick is an unexpectedly sweet prize.

For the Cavaliers they set themselves up for now and in the future. This trade represents a clean walkaway with the best pieces in the deal.

Grade: A

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