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As the world reacts to the blockbuster trade of Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics, there is still work to be done for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In receiving three players and only sending out one, they will need to make roster moves in order to get back to 15 players. In addition to that, there are still some lingering questions regarding the health of Isaiah Thomas.
Thomas had hurt his hip in the playoffs last season and was unable to remain in the Conference Finals for the Celtics.
While the questions remain, we will likely receive some answers soon. As Joe Vardon reported, the Cavs are working to get Thomas to Cleveland in order to examine his hip:
Cavs are working now to bring IT to Cleveland and to examine his hip
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) August 23, 2017
The Cavs can say this trade is for the present and the future. IT, Crowder make them deeper now, No. 1 pick for future. The hip is the issue
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) August 23, 2017
If healthy, Isaiah Thomas will help make up for a lot of the offense that the team will lose from moving Irving. At just 5’9”, Thomas’ explosiveness and speed are a big part of why he is able to be effective. So if he is physically limited or unable to return to form from last season, that would dramatically impact how this trade ends up being perceived.
Cleveland has a world renown medical clinic and should be able to help get Thomas back to form prior to the start of next season. There will be an adjustment going from the initiator of the bulk of Boston’s offense to playing off of LeBron James, but he has shown the ability to play well off-ball in the past. We just need to find out if he’s ready to go physically for next season.