The Cleveland Cavaliers are is serious negotiations with the Boston Celtics to swap All-Star point guards Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas. Cleveland would also get Jae Crowder and a draft pick.
Kyrie Irving might get his wish. Cleveland’s All-Star guard, who asked owner Dan Gilbert to trade him earlier this summer, could be on his way to Boston as the Cavaliers are in serious negotiations with the Celtics about swapping him for point guard Isaiah Thomas.
Since Irving made his stunning request, the defending Eastern Conference champions have been looking for a trade partner. They might have found the perfect one and could be nearing a deal with the Celtics, said the person who spoke Tuesday night to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.
Cleveland will also get forward Jae Crowder and an unprotected first-round draft pick from Boston, the person said. The deal could be completed Tuesday night.
Irving, who made the biggest shot in Cleveland history to win the 2016 NBA Finals, would join a Boston team that lost to Cleveland in last season’s conference finals and has been unable to unseat LeBron James and Co. in recent years.
The Cavaliers were concerned about getting equivalent value for Irving, who has two years remaining on his contract, but in the 5-foot-9 Thomas they would be adding one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. Thomas averaged 28.9 points last season. He missed most of the East finals with a hip injury.
Cleveland would also be getting Crowder, a solid perimeter defender, and one of Boston’s first-round draft picks to help reload for the future in case James opts out of his contract next summer and leaves Cleveland for a second time.
The Vertical first reported the possible blockbuster deal.
In acquiring Irving, the Celtics would replace a star to go along with Gordon Hayward, their prized free-agent signing.
