After making an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, the Boston Celtics made significant roster changes during the offseason. Heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, only four players are returning for head coach Brad Stevens.
Kelly Olynyk, who signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Miami Heat, shared his thoughts on his former team trading Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder to the Cleveland Cavaliers according to Gary Washburn of Boston Globe:
Kelly Olynyk on the Isaiah-Jae trade: "It's tough. I know how much they loved this city. They bled green. We all did." #Celtics #Heat
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) September 16, 2017
It is extremely rare for the two top teams in the Eastern Conference to make a trade with each other. While it took time to complete the trade after Isaiah Thomas' physical (hip injury), the Cavaliers received a tremendous package for Irving considering the circumstances. As for the Celtics, they believe Irving can be their first option and help them dethrone LeBron James and his former team.
Since the trade, much of the discussion has been about loyalty between the players and teams. While most felt Thomas was wronged by the Celtics considering what he has done in his short time, most also criticized Kevin Durant for signing with the Golden State Warriors in free agency.
For basketball fans around the world, they will not have to wait long as the Celtics take on the Cavaliers in the 2017-18 season opener.
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