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Why the Cleveland Cavaliers couldn’t have gotten a better deal

By Nathan Beighle

BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Isaiah Thomas #4 and Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics react against the Washington Wizards during Game Seven of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Isaiah Thomas #4 and Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics react against the Washington Wizards during Game Seven of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers finally dealt Kyrie Irving, and the deal that they worked out might have been the best possible deal they could have gotten.

After Kyrie Irving demanded a trade, a thousand rumors swirled the web about what’s the best deal the Cleveland Cavaliers could make. Since the Boston Celtics are a top-dog in the same conference as Cleveland, they are not the ideal partner, but they did offer more than anyone else.

If you have not heard by now, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and an unprotected 2018 first round draft pick. The pick is via the Brooklyn Nets, so it is expected to be a top 3 pick in the upcoming draft, assuming Brooklyn once again finishes at the bottom of the league.

For starters, the Cleveland Cavaliers needed to replace Irving’s scoring while planning for the future. They did that.

Isaiah Thomas, who actually averaged 3.7 more points per game than Irving, will be able to somewhat fill the huge hole that Irving will leave. The Cavs also were able to get Jae Crowder, who will finally give the Cavaliers a respectable backup for LeBron James. Up until now, the Cavaliers have played LeBron James over 35.5 minutes per game for his three seasons in the Land. While that number might still hit the 30’s, James should be able to take more in-game rest with Crowder on the roster. Along with those two solid players, Ante Zizic will provide the Cavaliers something they have missed over the last couple seasons, a true shot blocker. Zizic is a 6-foot-11 monster that was the 23rd pick in last season draft.

Although those players are significant pieces to the puzzle, the pick is what matters the most. The upcoming NBA Draft has two standout players already: Michael Porter Jr. and Marvin Bagley III. Those two could end being much better than any other player the Cavaliers targeted. There is light years of drama to happen before draft day, but it is never too early to anticipate seeing one of those talented, young players with the Cavaliers’ Wine and Gold cap on.

The Cavaliers were most likely not getting Porzingis, Fox, Jackson, Murray, or any young, up-and-coming star, so getting the rights to the next superstar is the next best thing. By getting the pick and keeping a championship-contending roster, the Cavaliers have done extremely well for themselves.

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In my opinion, it is the best that they could have possibly done.