The Cleveland Cavaliers are sending their starting point guard to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Brooklyn Nets' unprotected 2018 first-round pick.
Cleveland was known to be looking for a package that included a young star, veterans, and picks in return for the four-time All-Star, and was eyeing No. 3 pick Jayson Tatum. However, Boston wasn't willing to give him up, and instead yielded the rights to Brooklyn's first-rounder next year.
Cleveland eliminated Boston in the Eastern Conference finals before losing in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors. Since then, Irving asked to be dealt and provided a list of preferred destinations. Though the C's weren't on that list, the 25-year-old star waived his trade kicker in order to complete the transaction.
It was rumored the Celtics were among roughly 20 teams to contact Cleveland about Irving when news of his request came out a month ago, but it was reported as recently as last week that Boston had yet to make a formal offer. At the time, the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves were the apparent front-runners for Irving's services.
Irving averaged a career-high 25.2 points to go along with 5.8 dimes, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals last season. He has two guaranteed years left on his contract that'll see him earn about $39 million. It's believed the former first overall pick wants out of Cleveland and into a situation where he can be the focal point, rather than continuing to play second fiddle to LeBron James.
Thomas, 28, is coming off a career year that saw him average 28.9 points (third in the NBA), 5.9 assists, and 2.7 boards per contest for the Celtics, who finished atop the East. He has one year remaining on his bargain deal, and is expecting the next team to pay him to bring out a Brinks truck full of cash.
Boston also added prized free agent Gordon Hayward as well as forward Marcus Morris this offseason.
NBA fans won't have to wait much longer to see the new-look East contenders, as the Cavaliers host the Celtics on opening night - Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. ET. ELISHAH PANGILINAN