Three thoughts on Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving blockbuster deal

The Boston Celtics sent ripples through the NBA Tuesday night, completing a blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving.

So, it finally happened.  Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge finally created fireworks in an unexpected way.

Just over a month after landing prize free agent Gordon Hayward, the Celtics have landed another superstar in Kyrie Irving.

In a blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston acquired the 25-year-old point guard in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the last of the remaining Brooklyn draft picks.

https://twitter.com/celtics/status/900156123818455044

In a deal that appeared unlikely just weeks ago, the Celtics just got better while the Cavaliers at the least remain an Eastern Conference power on the LeBron James factor alone.

While it is taking some time to get use to the deal, here are my three thoughts on the trade and what it means for this Eastern Conference rivalry.

Did Boston give up too much?

The answer to that question is no.  While I would’ve loved if the team kept unproven center Ante Zizic, I am move than thrilled Ainge found a way not to involve neither Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum.

The 2018 Brooklyn pick may turn out to be something very valuable, but the Celtics already cashed in on two of those picks.  Quite frankly, as a fan, another season of watching (or hoping) for the Nets to tank and praying for a lucky bounce of the ping pong balls would’ve been nauseating.

Besides, the team still has the Los Angeles Lakers pick that will give them an opportunity to land a top five pick.

Perhaps this was Ainge’s plan all along.  There is no way he could’ve known Kyrie Irving would’ve been made available, but in acquiring the extra lottery pick by swapping the 2017 No. 1 overall pick for what has become Jayson Tatum, Ainge added another asset to obtain a superstar just like he acquired in Irving.

Of course, losing Isaiah Thomas will hurt.  But, Irving is a younger, taller, more gifted upgrade over the 5-foot-9 All-Star point guard.  There is no debate about that.

As far as Jae Crowder goes, it would’ve been awkward watching him try to co-exist or even play behind Gordon Hayward.  If you remember, Crowder chastised fans for cheering Hayward when the Jazz played at TD Garden.  His time in Boston was coming to an end eventually anyway, despite the team friendly contract.

The trade was also beneficial for the Boston Celtics because Crowder’s departure opens up playing time for both Brown and Tatum.

Kyrie Irving is a better option than Isaiah Thomas

Boston Celtics fans love Isaiah Thomas, but when he said the team better bring the brinks truck when his contract is up pretty much wrote the ending to his story book rise in Boston.

It’s not that Ainge or the Celtics don’t value Thomas and what he has brought to Boston, it’s a matter of whether or not he was worth a max deal.  There was always hope he would take a hometown discount, but the comments he made seemingly erased any idea of that.

Related Story: Isaiah Thomas says Boston Celtics know they need to show him the money

Of course, now we will never know.

What we do know is the Boston Celtics won’t have to contend with the possibility of losing him I free agency following the season.  In Irving, the C’s have a player that is not only younger than Thomas, but a player who will be under contract for the next three seasons and is open to an extension in Boston.

As far as the talent goes, there is no arguing the offensive power Irving adds to the Celtics alongside Gordon Hayward.  Thomas would’ve been lethal, but the difference in size and speed definitely makes Kyrie Irving a better option.

Kyrie Irving vs. LeBron James

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This rivalry would’ve been interesting no matter where Irving ended up.  As Celtics fans, we now get to experience this first hand.

On one end, we have the best player in the world who is on his way out of Cleveland.  On the other end (and now wearing green), we have a young superstar out to prove he can win from beneath the shadows of the king.

Talk about a rivalry.  The fact that these two teams battled in the Eastern Conference finals just a couple of months ago and have swapped star players just adds to the drama.

What better way for Kyrie Irving and the Celtics as a team to get back at LeBron James than to dethrone him in a ECF series this season?

On the flip side, Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder will be just as motivated to drown the team they helped revive.

Next: Top 3 reasons Boston Celtics will not regress in 2017-18 season

Overall, what the Irving and Thomas deal does is add spice to an upcoming NBA season that seems destined to end with the Golden State Warriors hoisting another championship.  It adds new storylines and drama.

Most importantly, it establishes the league’s most storied franchise into a power once again.  It has also made Danny Ainge a trade master once again.