5 reasons that a Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade doesn't make sense

5 reasons a Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade doesn’t make sense

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 23: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Boston Celtics in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – MAY 19: Isaiah Thomas /

2. Isaiah Thomas will be a free agent at the end of the season

If the Cleveland Cavaliers do end up retaining LeBron James past 2018 — though it will be The King’s decision — keeping Isaiah Thomas doesn’t make sense. Thomas is set to be a free agent at the end of the season and is probably going to want a maximum-salary contract.

Given his height limitations — which show up more on the defensive end — why would Cleveland want to give him a max contract? If they were thinking long-term future, adding Isaiah Thomas doesn’t really make sense from a contract stand point.

Irving’s under contract for another few seasons, while Thomas could bolt next summer. He hasn’t been shy about letting people know he wants to get paid and I doubt he’s going to take a discount to stay in Cleveland.

So if they don’t want to pay him next year, why even trade for him this season?

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