The Kyrie Irving x LeBron James partnership finally comes to an end as the Cavaliers will send Irving to Boston.
Besides Thomas, the Cavaliers will also inherit forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic, and a 2018 first-round draft pick.
Selected by Cleveland with the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Irving was instrumental in helping the Cavaliers capture its first NBA title in 2016.
Irving requested a trade from Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert back in July. It was widely speculated that he was tired of playing in LeBron James’ shadow and wanted a more focal role in a team.
“Kyrie is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He has proven that on the biggest stage, the NBA Finals, the last three years,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge in a press statement.
“He’s been an NBA Champion, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and a four-time All-Star. For all he’s accomplished, we think his best years are ahead of him.”
The Celtics and Cavs met in last year’s Eastern Conference finals. They will meet each other again on October 17, when the NBA season resumes.
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