Why the Cleveland Cavaliers should void their trade with the Boston Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers would be better off voiding their trade with the Boston Celtics.
There was a point in time last season where, due to the extraordinary play of Isaiah Thomas, the Boston Celtics were presumably the Cleveland Cavaliers biggest threat in the East.
Thomas’ offensive prowess was the reason Cavs fans could be excited about the surprising blockbuster deal sending Kyrie Irving to the Celtics in exchange for Thomas, Jae Crowder and the Brooklyn Nets first-round pick in next year’s NBA Draft.
However, if Thomas’ hip injury is serious enough to keep him out for the rest of the calendar year, why not let that remain the Celtics’ problem; what would the Celtics record be without their leader?
In fact, what would their record be without Thomas and Avery Bradley (who was traded to the Detroit Pistons)? Thomas and Bradley were their starting backcourt from last season and top two scorers.
See, while Thomas could return by December, there’s a difference between him returning in December with the Celtics and him returning in December with the Cavs. That difference?
Familiarity. Chemistry.
Necessary for any point guard and especially one that will be featured in the Cavs’ Big Three. The team could come together by the playoffs.
The Cavs could still make it to the Finals with Thomas. However, it would be easier if they let Thomas remain with the Celtics rather than trying to face a Celtics team with Irving on it.
In the Celtics’ place, the Toronto Raptors would become the Cleveland Cavaliers biggest threat. However, with the Cavs owning a 8-2 record against the Raptors in the playoffs over the last two seasons, there isn’t going to be much – if any – concern from Cleveland’s side if they were to face of against the Raptors in the postseason.
Aside from increasing their chances of reaching the Finals, there’s still a better deal for the Cavs.
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While there may not be a better draft pick they can secure than the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round pick in 2018, there are point guards who are healthier, younger or just plain better than Thomas who may become available. Names like Chris Paul, Dennis Schroder and Eric Bledsoe.
Paul, who James Harden will have to enjoy playing beside. Schroder, who is full to the brim with potential but doesn’t put fans in the seats like Kyrie Irving will. Bledsoe, who has already been a part of trade talks for Irving.
There might even be a surprise team to come into the mix like the Milwaukee Bucks, who could send Jabari Parker or Khris Middleton to Cleveland as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to see Matthew Dellavedova back in the Land?
Not all of these deals may have the superstar names but they will players who are exceptional fits.
The Cleveland Cavaliers may ultimately press forward with the trade and receive additional compensation. However, they should really consider voiding the deal and finding a different trade partner.