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According ESPN’s Adrian Wojarnowski, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have agreed to a deal that would send Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics. In return, the Cavs would get Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and picks. Center Ante Zizic is also included in deal, according to Woj.
Sources: Boston, Cleveland nearing deal on Kyrie Irving, but details still working to completion. Isaiah Thomas, Crowder, pick(s) in talks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
Boston center Ante Zizic also expected to be part of a potential Cleveland deal for Kyrie Irving, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
The Vertical’s Shams Charania has also reported that the Cavs and Celtics are discussing this deal.
If this deal happens, Cleveland would be dealing with its biggest competitor in the East. The two teams met in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, with the Cavs willing the series in five games. Boston added Gordon Hayward this summer while also parting ways with Avery Bradley.
What’s interesting about the Celtics’ package as it’s defined now is that it does not include a blue chip prospect. Thomas is a solid replacement for Irving and Crowder is a a solid forward who can play multiple positions. He’s also one of of the league’s most affordable contracts. Zizic, a 20-year-old Croatian center, is talented, but not likely to be a franchise cornerstone.
This could change depending on what pick(s) Boston includes, particularly the Nets pick from next year’s draft that could end up being No. 1 overall in a stacked draft. If that’s included, the Cavs can say they got everything want in return for Irving.