Update (7:22 ET):
The Boston Celtics have traded Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 unprotected first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers, reports Shams Charania:
Cleveland and Boston have agreement on deal to send Kyrie Irving to the Celtics for Isaiah Thomas package to Cavs, sources tell The Vertical
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2017
Celtics are sending Thomas, Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn's 2018 first-round pick for Kyrie Irving, league sources tell The Vertical. https://t.co/gdaT9UjVGl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2017
All-Star Kyrie Irving will waive his trade kicker to complete Cleveland's deal to Boston, league source tells The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2017
Original story follows:
Kyrie Irving requested a trade last month, and he may have his wish granted. The Cavaliers are engaged in trade talks with the Boston Celtics, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical:
Cleveland and Boston engaged in active trade discussions centered on Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2017
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirms, adding that the talks are “serious:”
Cleveland and Boston have moved into serious talks on a trade centered on All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
Per Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics and Cavaliers are “nearing a deal,” but the details aren’t in place yet:
Sources: Boston, Cleveland nearing deal on Kyrie Irving, but details still working to completion. Isaiah Thomas, Crowder, pick(s) in talks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
Ante Zizic is likely to be included in the deal:
Boston center Ante Zizic also expected to be part of a potential Cleveland deal for Kyrie Irving, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2017
Irving and Thomas are players with similar strengths and weaknesses; both are elite scorers who can also pass the ball. Both also struggle on the defensive end – Irving due to a lack of consistent effort and Thomas due to his diminutive frame.
Thomas will become a free agent at the end of this season, whereas Irving has another year left on his deal.
