Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving are switching teams

We know you’ve heard about one of the biggest trades coming into NBA Season 2017-2018: That of Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving. The news almost literally shook the basketball world and for a few hours, no one could talk or think about anything else.

The technicalities

Isaiah may arguably be the biggest name that the Celtics are giving up, but he isn’t the only one being traded in for Kyrie. The Cavs are also receiving forward Jaw Crowder, center Ante Zizic, the Net’s unprotected 2018 first-round pick and the second-round pick in 2020 that the Celtics acquired from Miami. 

A report by ESPN cited sources who said that Isaiah requested for the trade in July meeting with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. The 28-year-old point guard reportedly wanted to play a situation wherein he would be a more focal point which did not involve playing alongside LeBron James.

Kyrie has three years and US$60 million left on his contract. He can, however, opt out of the final year before the 2019-2020 season. On the other hand, Isaiah will become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season although he believes that he’s worthy of a maximum contract.

The possibilities

Nothing is certain at this point, but the massive trade does open a number of doors for both teams. First of all, Thomas could improve the chemistry within the Cavaliers as he plays alongside his childhood AAU buddy Kevin Love. Perhaps Crowder will become the versatile two-way forward that the team has been needing for the past few seasons.

On the other hand, Kyrie could very well ascend to higher levels in Isaiah’s old role and lead the Celtics back to the Eastern Conference finals.

The first showdown

On opening night of NBA Season 2017-2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics are going head to head. When the schedule was announced, it was practically promised to be an epic opening game. But with Isaiah and Kyrie swapping places, you know there’s going to be extra tension. All eyes are going to be on these two players—ours certainly will.

Image via NBA.Com

Do you think the Cavs and the Celtics made the right choice?