Sources: Cavs get trade exception, use Mo Williams trade exception in deal with Boston
By Simon Hannig
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics agreed on a blockbuster trade last night that sent Kyrie Irving to Boston for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn 2018 first round pick.
King James Gospel was able to confirm with sources close to the situation that the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired a $5.8M trade exception in the trade from Boston.
King James Gospel was also able to confirm through sources close to the situation the Cavaliers used Mo Williams $2.2M trade exception to acquire Boston center Ante Zizic.
Boston got the better player in Irving — but, the Cavaliers won this trade by far. The Cavs got the prized possession in the Brooklyn pick. Boston did not trade that pick for Jimmy Butler or Paul George but traded it for Irving.
More from King James Gospel
- 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
- 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
This trade helps the Cavaliers not only to win now but set themselves up for the future. The Cavs can keep or trade away the Brooklyn pick for a star who might become available during the season, that is if LeBron James commits long term.
The Cavaliers have never had an asset like this in terms of the Brooklyn pick before, especially when James was first here. This, I assume intrigues, James, a lot and will make him think long and hard about staying here.
The worst the Cavs will pick with the Nets pick is number seven, but, the pick is most likely going to be a top three or top five pick, which then the Cavs will have a chance to draft Marvin Bagley III or Michael Porter Jr, the supposed top picks in the 2018 NBA Draft. Cleveland also saved a ton of money in this deal.
The Cavaliers had several other deals on the table, but they decided to go with this one. While most may hate trading Irving to the Cavaliers nearest competition in the East, they did receive exactly what they sought out to get– a veteran star, a solid role player, and a fantastic young player or pick.
Must Read: Is this the best Cavaliers team ever?
If you don’t think the Cavaliers won this trade, tell us why!