The rumors have been confirmed: Kyrie Irving has been traded to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a Nets 2018 pick.
Let's allow that to sink in.
If you're not already hyped, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Celtics are playing opening night, too.
If you're still with us and your brain hasn't imploded from this new information, we have some burning questions, and we'd love to hear your answers.
When you break down the deal, we're looking at point guard for point guard and then some -- and a lot of "some," for that matter. Considering that in the past Thomas has been thought of as one of the league's elite point guards alongside Irving, you might have some questions as to how this deal makes sense.
Here are the facts:
Irving averaged 25.2 points per game last season, with 3.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists. On top of that, the Cavs PG was shooting 40.1% from the 3-point line. Thomas averaged 28.9 points per game with 5.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds. Thomas was shooting 37.9 % from 3.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, no pair of 25 points-per-game scorers had ever been swapped the following season, which makes Irving and Thomas the first duo in NBA history.
The biggest question, as Ramona Shelburne mentioned, is the health of Thomas. If he can stay healthy, the Cavaliers will be in great shape. If not, there are gaps to fill.
Irving spent his entire career with the Cavaliers and was expected to be traded after he requested as much during a July meeting with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. Thomas spent the past two-and-a-half seasons with the Celtics and led the team to the conference finals last season.
-- Courtney Schellin
