Fansided

Are we certain the Celtics have a master plan?

By Keith Parish

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 03: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics and Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk on the court during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on November 3, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the 128-122. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 03: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics and Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk on the court during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on November 3, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the 128-122. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Just when the flow of NBA offseason news had slowed to a drip, the floodgates open again: Kyrie Irving stunningly traded to the Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and the previously-thought-untouchable Brooklyn 2018 pick.

What the what?

This trade between the two Eastern Conference finalists from last year means at least one of the following things is true:

  1. Kyrie Irving is a much more valuable asset that Jimmy Butler or Paul George
  2. There is a well-connected cabal of flat-earthers pulling the strings

While recognizing that actual NBA trades are never as simple as what we podcasters and fans plug into the Trade Machine, we at Fastbreak Breakfast are dubious this was Danny Ainge’s plan all along. After passing up the opportunity many times before to go “all-in” in a trade, to finally do so in a move that arguably strengthens their top opposition in the East has us scratching our heads.

If Ainge and the Celtics knew they were going to end up trading the 2017 #1 pick (Markelle Fultz), the 2018 Brooklyn 1st rounder, Thomas, Crowder, and Avery Bradley this summer, couldn’t they have ended up with more than Marcus Morris, Jayson Tatum and an upgrade from Thomas to Irving? And are we certain that’s even an upgrade?

That and many other items are covered in the newest episode, including:

  • It’s not too difficult to argue that this trade was beneficial for both teams. So Chuck (@themightychuck) would like to point out how it could make each franchise worse
  • Considering where they all were in their careers, how does the new Big 3 in Boston stack up against the Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett Big 3?
  • Where does Thomas play in 2018-19?
  • If the Cavaliers are prepared to trade the Brooklyn pick to gird themselves for another title run this year, which player should they target?

Next: The biggest difference between Irving and Thomas — and how it impacts the Cavaliers

All Fastbreak Breakfast episodes are also available for download on iTunes and Soundcloud.

Original music provided by Codaphonic

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