WojBomb - Cavs evaluating options after IT physical...

[ashanm10]

Unbelievable Kyrie such a good upgrade.... And for a good price too....

[jpotter33]

So let's say IT is hurt significantly enough where he'll need surgery, miss a significant part of the year, and/or won't be 100% this season at all.

What then would be enough for Cleveland to go through with this deal, and what would you guys be willing to give up?

Right now, I'm taking all of the players off of the table, meaning IT is staying there in any trade we make. I'm also taking the LA pick off of the table, along with probably the Memphis pick. Other than that, I'd be willing to give up 1 of our own first picks and the lottery-protected Clippers pick. But I wouldn't go much more than that.

[jpotter33]

Anyone else laughing knowing IT isn't getting a brinks truck from anyone? Offer him 2 years 10 mill

No, because he doesn't deserve the disrespect.  Dude sold his soul for us last year.

Yeah it's looking like he pretty much cost himself millions. He's a good dude and I don't want his career to be cut short like that.

I agree that it's probably disrespectful and uncalled for to be laughing, and I hope he still does get a large payday somewhere (just not here).

However, I'm not going to lie either and say that the whole "Brinks truck" and "IT Time" stuff didn't start getting on my nerves last year.

One brinks truck comment was enough. He should've shut his mouth after that.

And then he made the Brinks truck sandals, too: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/look-isaiah-thomas-shows-off-custom-brinks-truck-sandals/.

To me, he seemed a little too focused on himself and his own marketing for my liking.

[liam]

The Cavs new about this injury before hand. Making a trade for an injured player is already not a good idea. I figured that's why we gave up the Nets pick because of the injured status of IT. Maybe the Cavs just did this to try and drive their price up. They had to have already seen the medical files... This trade just gets stranger and stranger. Maybe it's all just deep summer hype to keep the NBA on the front page...

[ashanm10]

So let's say IT is hurt significantly enough where he'll need surgery, miss a significant part of the year, and/or won't be 100% this season at all.

What then would be enough for Cleveland to go through with this deal, and what would you guys be willing to give up?

Right now, I'm taking all of the players off of the table, meaning IT is staying there in any trade we make. I'm also taking the LA pick off of the table, along with probably the Memphis pick. Other than that, I'd be willing to give up 1 of our own first picks and the lottery-protected Clippers pick. But I wouldn't go much more than that.

I personally would play hardball now because this is a risk that CLE took into account. Days have passed since the trade and they should actually show concern rather than throw Thomas around like a leper lol... Anyway

I am not so shook up, in the worst case we keep a pick and Crowder and an Isaiah who will have to prove himself all over again. We will have to simply find a way to play without a PG for a while or well it's time others stepped up their game

[OldSchoolDude]

Anyone else laughing knowing IT isn't getting a brinks truck from anyone? Offer him 2 years 10 mill

I am laughing because I've been saying for the longest time that he's not getting a max deal.  I think that Thomas played hurt in the playoffs and refused surgery because he doesn't want the team to play without him.  When he first went down early in the season there was talk that the team was better without him.   When we beat Cleveland in the playoffs there was talk that the team was better without him.   The truth is that the team played differently without him and in a way that's better but again in a way it's not.  Thomas was the only player on the team last year that was the legitimate 20-point a game score and could get his own shot anytime he wanted.  However after turning over two-thirds of the roster we are left with a team where Thomas is not the only one that can get 20 points a game and is not the only one that can get his own shot.  So while last year's Celtics team desperately needed Isaiah Thomas this year Celtics team , who can't use a 20-point game score, doesn't have the same level of Need for Thomas that we had last year.  And the biggest issue for Thomas with that is in regards to his usage when Thomas is a high-usage player we see that he plays an All-Star level but when Thomas is a lower usage player because the team doesn't need him to do what he's been doing for Boston he's not an All-Star player and he is that guy that went from Phoenix to Sacramento to us.  Because Thomas really only impacts the game and one way and that's scoring when he's not doing it at a high level he is a complete and utter liability.  Take for example of player like Marcus Smart or Tony Allen a defensive specialist would not scoring any points is still providing very useful skill to the team.  Even a player like Kelly Olynyk when he wasn't scoring over 20 points his presence on the floor his ability to stretch the floor his ability to defend that a higher level than many people give him credit for his basketball IQ visibility to set up plays all these little things that he was doing setting a good screen to allow another player to make a shot these are all reasons why Kelly Olynyk earn Court time even when he wasn't scoring lots of points.  Danny gave up more than Oklahoma did to get Paul George and more than Minnesota did to get Butler because Boston and Cleveland both know that Thomas is done last season was a one-year wonder and with his hip he's going to lose a step and the way he plays just losing one step he has nothing left to give.  Other players can still play and contribute in a meaningful way after having lost a step, like for example Grant Hill, but Isaiah Thomas losing just a little bit of a step he's completely useless on the court.

[CelticsElite]

When asked Tuesday if Thomas' injury played a part in making the trade for Irving, Boston general manager Danny Ainge told reporters, "Some."

[SparzWizard]

Anyone else laughing knowing IT isn't getting a brinks truck from anyone? Offer him 2 years 10 mill

I am laughing because I've been saying for the longest time that he's not getting a max deal.  I think that Thomas played hurt in the playoffs and refused surgery because he doesn't want the team to play without him.  When he first went down early in the season there was talk that the team was better without him.   When we beat Cleveland in the playoffs there was talk that the team was better without him.   The truth is that the team played differently without him and in a way that's better but again in a way it's not.  Thomas was the only player on the team last year that was the legitimate 20-point a game score and could get his own shot anytime he wanted.  However after turning over two-thirds of the roster we are left with a team where Thomas is not the only one that can get 20 points a game and is not the only one that can get his own shot.  So while last year's Celtics team desperately needed Isaiah Thomas this year Celtics team , who can't use a 20-point game score, doesn't have the same level of Need for Thomas that we had last year.  And the biggest issue for Thomas with that is in regards to his usage when Thomas is a high-usage player we see that he plays an All-Star level but when Thomas is a lower usage player because the team doesn't need him to do what he's been doing for Boston he's not an All-Star player and he is that guy that went from Phoenix to Sacramento to us.  Because Thomas really only impacts the game and one way and that's scoring when he's not doing it at a high level he is a complete and utter liability.  Take for example of player like Marcus Smart or Tony Allen a defensive specialist would not scoring any points is still providing very useful skill to the team.  Even a player like Kelly Olynyk when he wasn't scoring over 20 points his presence on the floor his ability to stretch the floor his ability to defend that a higher level than many people give him credit for his basketball IQ visibility to set up plays all these little things that he was doing setting a good screen to allow another player to make a shot these are all reasons why Kelly Olynyk earn Court time even when he wasn't scoring lots of points.  Danny gave up more than Oklahoma did to get Paul George and more than Minnesota did to get Butler because Boston and Cleveland both know that Thomas is done last season was a one-year wonder and with his hip he's going to lose a step and the way he plays just losing one step he has nothing left to give.  Other players can still play and contribute in a meaningful way after having lost a step, like for example Grant Hill, but Isaiah Thomas losing just a little bit of a step he's completely useless on the court.

IT4 carried the Celtics to two playoff series wins. One including a notable Game 2 53-point performance win in the East Semis against the Washington Wizards.

[ozgod]

Lol.

What a disaster this would be.

Disaster doesn't even start to describe it. IT could very well say to Danny screw you, I'm having surgery, taking the whole year off to make sure I'm healthy. Leaves in free agency next year and we get zero for him. It's a business and players are commodities, but I can't imagine Crowder was too thrilled having learned about being traded the night his mother passed away either.

Might be some serious bridge building needed there should this trade fall through, both for the Celtics and the Cavs. That said, I have a feeling that this is just Koby Altman trying to put the squeeze on Danny to give up the Lakers pick as well though. Both sides have a lot to lose if this falls through.

[GreenEnvy]

Anyone else laughing knowing IT isn't getting a brinks truck from anyone? Offer him 2 years 10 mill

I am laughing because I've been saying for the longest time that he's not getting a max deal.  I think that Thomas played hurt in the playoffs and refused surgery because he doesn't want the team to play without him.  When he first went down early in the season there was talk that the team was better without him.   When we beat Cleveland in the playoffs there was talk that the team was better without him.   The truth is that the team played differently without him and in a way that's better but again in a way it's not.  Thomas was the only player on the team last year that was the legitimate 20-point a game score and could get his own shot anytime he wanted.  However after turning over two-thirds of the roster we are left with a team where Thomas is not the only one that can get 20 points a game and is not the only one that can get his own shot.  So while last year's Celtics team desperately needed Isaiah Thomas this year Celtics team , who can't use a 20-point game score, doesn't have the same level of Need for Thomas that we had last year.  And the biggest issue for Thomas with that is in regards to his usage when Thomas is a high-usage player we see that he plays an All-Star level but when Thomas is a lower usage player because the team doesn't need him to do what he's been doing for Boston he's not an All-Star player and he is that guy that went from Phoenix to Sacramento to us.  Because Thomas really only impacts the game and one way and that's scoring when he's not doing it at a high level he is a complete and utter liability.  Take for example of player like Marcus Smart or Tony Allen a defensive specialist would not scoring any points is still providing very useful skill to the team.  Even a player like Kelly Olynyk when he wasn't scoring over 20 points his presence on the floor his ability to stretch the floor his ability to defend that a higher level than many people give him credit for his basketball IQ visibility to set up plays all these little things that he was doing setting a good screen to allow another player to make a shot these are all reasons why Kelly Olynyk earn Court time even when he wasn't scoring lots of points.  Danny gave up more than Oklahoma did to get Paul George and more than Minnesota did to get Butler because Boston and Cleveland both know that Thomas is done last season was a one-year wonder and with his hip he's going to lose a step and the way he plays just losing one step he has nothing left to give.  Other players can still play and contribute in a meaningful way after having lost a step, like for example Grant Hill, but Isaiah Thomas losing just a little bit of a step he's completely useless on the court.

So let me get this straight, a defensive specialist who can't score is still very useful, while an offensive specialist who can't defend is not?

Defensive players are a tad bit overrated. Even the best defenders get scored on. And the worst defenders' player do miss. But how many defensive specialists can you give the ball to and have them create/make their own shot?

To put it simpler. You and I would be terrible NBA players on both sides. But don't you think we'd be more inclined to get get a stop (most likely just a miss, hopefully contended but most likely not) than to actually score?

Scoring will always be harder to do. Would you rather be up one with 10 seconds to go and their ball or down one with 10 ticks, your ball?

And saying IT was a "one-year wonder" shows your ignorance. Prior to this past season, he was a multi-season 20ppg and all-star. Guys with that resume - and not a 29ppg, All-NBA, conference finalist, MVP-caliber season under their belt - get max contracts. Just think, how many 20+ppg all-stars aren't making (near-)max money that aren't still on their rookie contracts?

Now the hip may be an issue. We'll see how that plays out. But assuming he's healthy, he will get paid.

[CelticsElite]

Anyone think maybe its because lebron didn't like the trade? Lebron never welcomed IT on social media, whereas we welcomed kyrie. Espn talking heads mentioned this throughout the week how it was odd lebron was quiet about welcoming IT

[PhoSita]

Anyone else laughing knowing IT isn't getting a brinks truck from anyone? Offer him 2 years 10 mill

No, because he doesn't deserve the disrespect.  Dude sold his soul for us last year.

Yeah it's looking like he pretty much cost himself millions. He's a good dude and I don't want his career to be cut short like that.

I agree that it's probably disrespectful and uncalled for to be laughing, and I hope he still does get a large payday somewhere (just not here).

However, I'm not going to lie either and say that the whole "Brinks truck" and "IT Time" stuff didn't start getting on my nerves last year.

One brinks truck comment was enough. He should've shut his mouth after that.

And then he made the Brinks truck sandals, too: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/look-isaiah-thomas-shows-off-custom-brinks-truck-sandals/.

To me, he seemed a little too focused on himself and his own marketing for my liking.

How can we reasonably expect players to do anything but focus on their own personal brand?

The teams they play for sure as shooting don't care about them as individuals.

[iadera]

There's no way Ainge let's this trade go away. Too late Cavs...

[j804]

Anyone think maybe its because lebron didn't like the trade? Lebron never welcomed IT on social media, whereas we welcomed kyrie. Espn talking heads mentioned this throughout the week how it was odd lebron was quiet about welcoming IT

I was just thinking maybe the Cavs are having cold feet. Then I see you point this out and it makes some sense. Everything we've read though is that LeBrons staying out of front office decisions at least this offseason since we know he might leave

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Anyone else laughing knowing IT isn't getting a brinks truck from anyone? Offer him 2 years 10 mill

I am laughing because I've been saying for the longest time that he's not getting a max deal.  I think that Thomas played hurt in the playoffs and refused surgery because he doesn't want the team to play without him.  When he first went down early in the season there was talk that the team was better without him.   When we beat Cleveland in the playoffs there was talk that the team was better without him.   The truth is that the team played differently without him and in a way that's better but again in a way it's not.  Thomas was the only player on the team last year that was the legitimate 20-point a game score and could get his own shot anytime he wanted.  However after turning over two-thirds of the roster we are left with a team where Thomas is not the only one that can get 20 points a game and is not the only one that can get his own shot.  So while last year's Celtics team desperately needed Isaiah Thomas this year Celtics team , who can't use a 20-point game score, doesn't have the same level of Need for Thomas that we had last year.  And the biggest issue for Thomas with that is in regards to his usage when Thomas is a high-usage player we see that he plays an All-Star level but when Thomas is a lower usage player because the team doesn't need him to do what he's been doing for Boston he's not an All-Star player and he is that guy that went from Phoenix to Sacramento to us.  Because Thomas really only impacts the game and one way and that's scoring when he's not doing it at a high level he is a complete and utter liability.  Take for example of player like Marcus Smart or Tony Allen a defensive specialist would not scoring any points is still providing very useful skill to the team.  Even a player like Kelly Olynyk when he wasn't scoring over 20 points his presence on the floor his ability to stretch the floor his ability to defend that a higher level than many people give him credit for his basketball IQ visibility to set up plays all these little things that he was doing setting a good screen to allow another player to make a shot these are all reasons why Kelly Olynyk earn Court time even when he wasn't scoring lots of points.  Danny gave up more than Oklahoma did to get Paul George and more than Minnesota did to get Butler because Boston and Cleveland both know that Thomas is done last season was a one-year wonder and with his hip he's going to lose a step and the way he plays just losing one step he has nothing left to give.  Other players can still play and contribute in a meaningful way after having lost a step, like for example Grant Hill, but Isaiah Thomas losing just a little bit of a step he's completely useless on the court.

So let me get this straight, a defensive specialist who can't score is still very useful, while an offensive specialist who can't defend is not?

Welcome to CelticsBlog, where way too many people make defense the be-all and end-all.