The Boston Celtics were forced to give up several of their pieces to acquire Kyrie Irving on Tuesday. Despite it being a high price to pay, the C's did not bend and refused to give up No. 3 picks Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, two young prospects that the Cleveland Cavaliers had their eyes on through the call.
Boston ended up giving point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets' first-round pick — one that can likely be in the top-three of this upcoming 2018 NBA Draft.
While the Celtics' front office has been cautious about their collection of draft picks and have zealously milked them through various trades during this and prior offseasons, president Danny Ainge is putting more value in the established star that is Irving rather than a future bright prospect that will need development within the franchise.
“We still value that pick,” Ainge told ESPN's Chris Forsberg. “Obviously, we value Kyrie more. It’s that simple.”
“This is a trade that can make us better and that’s why we did it.”
Ainge has been a surefire poker player when it comes to making trades happen, but being on the verge of acquiring an All-Star caliber player that is locked into contract for at least two more seasons was a chance way too good to pass up, making this the time to strike and bring Irving into the organization with enough time to integrate him into the roster.
Follow Us
Subscribe