Boston Celtics trade rumors: Team monitoring Kyrie Irving situation
By Gio Rivera
With things going south in Cleveland, the Boston Celtics are primed to take the East and perhaps the Cavaliers second best player.
According to ESPNs Zach Lowe, the Boston Celtics have contacted the Cleveland Cavaliers regarding point guard, Kyrie Irving.
It was just last week when it was announced the Irving had reportedly asked the Cavaliers to explore trade partners. Teams such as the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves were reported as Irving’s preferred destinations.
Yet it’s no secret that the Cavaliers era as rulers in the East may be heading to its end, sooner than many expected. With the continuous reports that LeBron James has no intention in reaming with the organization following this upcoming season.
The Cavaliers big three of Irving, Kevin Love, and LeBron James was introduced back in 2014 when James shocked the basketball world by making his return to Cleveland. After James had won his first two NBA titles with the Miami Heat big three in which he also constructed.
Now it is another Cavalier 1st overall pick, Irving who reportedly wants out of Cleveland, and Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is apparently making some calls.
Boston has already done the job in constructing a very successful off season, with their biggest free agent signing in Gordon Hayward to the acquisition of Jayson Tatum via the NBA Draft.
Not to mention the on going stockpiling of future lottery picks with shipping the No. 1 overall selection to Philadelphia for No. 3 along with more lottery selections.
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While this remains to be a fairly unlikely scenario, let’s review the possible benefits for both organizations.
How the Celtics could benefit:
- Solidify Boston as new “king of the east”
- Propel the Celtics as contenders with the Warriors
How the Cavaliers could benefit:
- Demand a few of Boston’s many accumulated draft selections
- Preparation for the future
Why the trade is unlikely:
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Boston has already made moves from waiving center, Kelly Olynyk to trading shooting guard, Avery Bradley in order to make salary cap room for Gordon Hayward.
Boston Celtics fans must also keep in mind that Isaiah Thomas will be hitting free agency following this upcoming season, while Irving is set to make $20,099,188 this upcoming season and $21,329,750 the following season. This all prior to Irving hitting the free agent market.
Its not about how Irving will fit into the Celtics system, but how he could fit into their salary situation. Boston has already invested $113,326,228 in Al Horford and $127,829,970 in Gordon Hayward. Along with the unknown salary of Isaiah Thomas, assuming the Celtics keep him in Boston.
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Regardless of the destination, a Cavs trade of their star point guard could once again put the Celtics on top of the Eastern Conference.