If the trade was 2 seasons (one playoffs) of Kyrie for the 8th pick? And he leaves for another team with no additional compensation?
No way. Why would anybody make that trade?
Two playoff runs with an elite player for a pick that in general results in a middle to low end starter? So as an alternative hypothetical, let's say we offered Kyrie with only one year left back to Cleveland in exchange for the #8 pick. Cleveland does that in a second. If we added that he would pick up his option and be under control for 2 seasons, Cleveland would probably wet their pants.
It is too bad how all this worked out for Isaiah Thomas but I have no second thoughts on bringing in Kyrie or for losing out on the #8 pick (most expected this to be an even better pick, except maybe Ainge). It was a cold-hearted decision to trade IT but in retrospect it was the right decision.
Kyrie may move on but who knows. Kyrie's knee may explode The #8 pick may end up being the sleeper of the draft and a future all star. There may be all sorts of reasons to second guess this at some point in the future but right now this still looks like a steal for Boston.