Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 1:46pm

IRVING TO BOSTON, THOMAS TO CLEVELAND IN 5-ASSET BLOCKBUSTER

The Boston Celtics acquired point guard Kyrie Irving from the Cleveland Cavaliers for point guard Isaiah Thomas, combo forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic, and the rights to the Brooklyn Nets' unprotected 1st-round draft pick in 2018.

What does it give the Boston Celtics
The Celtics have clearly decided they like Irving more as their point guard than Thomas, and it's hard to argue too much with that. While Thomas is an elite offensive force, he is also three-plus years older than Irving, has one year fewer than Irving on his contract, and is both smaller and less of a defensive factor than Irving. While Boston is taking on some salary here, this deal gives the Celtics one of the best 'Big Three' cores in the Eastern Conference (along with fellow newcomer Gordon Hayward, and vet big man Al Horford).

What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
Moving Irving has to be tough for the Cavs, but overall Cleveland does a solid job with this trade. Endless rumors claimed Irving made it clear he wanted out, so the Cavaliers got a surprisingly strong haul back despite having their hands somewhat tied. Thomas can help the team stay in contention during the coming season (assuming his hip issue clears up fairly promptly) and Carroll is an above-average defensive role player who adds punch to the team's rotation. It'll be fascinating to see whether the Cavs are able to re-sign Thomas and / or resident icon LeBron James after next season. Even if they don't, the unprotected first-round pick should bring a quality player, and Zizic is a promising center with some starter potential for down the road.

Fantasy impact
Neither of Irving nor Thomas (when Thomas gets healthy) looks likely to vary much from his usual fantasy production, since both were big-minute guys with major roles last season (and that won't likely change for either on his new team). Do expect Crowder to possibly see a dip in numbers, however, since he projects as a likely backup with the Cavs after being a full-time starter last season with the Celtics. That said, do expect Carroll's arrival to cut into whatever fantasy value Richard Jefferson still had with the Cavs. Meanwhile, it will be surprising if Zizic shows up on the fantasy radar in the coming season, but keep him in mind for keeper leagues (as he's a raw but starter-level talent for the future).