Cavs trade away Thomas.

[Deus Irae]

And upgraded their team across the board...

Not necessarily, assuming Thomas returns to 100% by season's end, but it's a situation where it's worth a shot to make the moves, since James and Thomas weren't working out as a duo and didn't look as if they were going to be either willing or able to change that.

 

[IllegalContact]

And upgraded their team significantly...

Hill for Thomas: huge upgrade defensively, healthy, works better off the ball
Clarkson for Shumpert: just a straight upgrade in every way
Nance for Frye: significant upgrade defensively
Hood for Wade: straight upgrade, far more efficient

Dump dead weight in Crowder and Rose, relegates JR Smith to the bench where he might get back to form

maybe.......they become more athletic, but with Love out for 8 weeks, they're going to get destroyed in the middle.....the bigger picture is that they are now better off for when Lebron goes after the season

 

[Hammer of Thor]

Can he rush the passer? Asking for a friend.

 

[NYPatsFan]

When I heard IT criticize the Cavs coaching staff for poor in game adjustments, I figured he was on his way out.

 

[PatsFan2]

An injured and rehabbing IT is not as good as Kyrie at 100%. You meet people who argue that?

I meant at the Time of the Boston trade with Cleveland.

 

[PatsFan2]

When I heard IT criticize the Cavs coaching staff for poor in game adjustments, I figured he was on his way out.

What?? IT Embild that Defensive stopper.

 

[Deus Irae]

I meant at the Time of the Boston trade with Cleveland.

At the time of the trade, Kyrie was about as bad a defensive player as Thomas.

 

[PatsFan2]

And upgraded their team across the board...

Hill for Thomas: huge upgrade defensively, healthy, works better off the ball
Clarkson for Shumpert: just a straight upgrade in every way
Nance for Frye: significant upgrade defensively
Hood for Wade: straight upgrade, far more efficient

Dumped dead weight in Crowder and Rose
Relegates JR Smith to the bench where he might get back to form

I agree if this cast of characters gels Cleveland is back in it and might be much better than before.

 

[NashuaPats]

How are Ball and IT going to play together when they both need the ball in their hands? The Lakers draft pick is now back in play.

 

[Sfpat]

How are Ball and IT going to ply together when they both need the ball in their hands? The Lakers draft pick is now back in play.

My guess is IT doesn't play

 

[primetime]

maybe.......they become more athletic, but with Love out for 8 weeks, they're going to get destroyed in the middle.....the bigger picture is that they are now better off for when Lebron goes after the season

Doesn't really matter. It's not like Love missing a couple months is the difference between making the playoffs or not. They'll be a top-4 seed in the playoffs, have as good a chance as anyone else at making the finals, and Hill's defense gives them a much better chance against Golden State than IT would have.

 

[PatsFan2]

At the time of the trade, Kyrie was about as bad a defensive player as Thomas.

I kn0w you could Teach a 6'3 player how to play D in Today's NFL. But a 5'9 player and that's a stretch is like trying to get blood from a stone.

 

[Fixit]

When is Cleveland going to show his tribute video?

 

[NashuaPats]

My guess is IT doesn't play

Then the Lakers should buy him out. Would it technically be possible for Celtics to sign him if he is bought out considering they traded him away within the past year? He could be a great second unit scorer for them.

 

[Deus Irae]

Cleveland's deals smell more of giving up on the idea of keeping LeBron than of a team preparing for a run this year.

 

[Ivan]

How are Ball and IT going to ply together when they both need the ball in their hands? The Lakers draft pick is now back in play.

Very good point.

 

[Tuck]

The Lakers better back up the Brinks truck for him.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Then the Lakers should buy him out. Would it be technically be possible for Celtics to sign him if he is bought out considering they traded him away within the past year? He could be a great second unit scorer for them.

Better chance of Malcolm returning....

 

[Kontradiction]

Cleveland's deals smell more of giving up on the idea of keeping LeBron than of a team preparing for a run this year.

I can't wait for that to happen.

 

[Kdo5]

He's toxic and butthurt because he won't get a max deal.

Danny Ainge won the trade.

I hate to say it but I have to agree with the 'toxic' part. Maybe that is a bit of an overstatement but still. He was only with Cleveland briefly and had already caused discord in that locker room with the Kevin Love stuff.

The rumors that IT wasn't easy to play with have gained at least some credibility.

As far as winning the deal? It's quite clear Ainge won and I think many of us were confident when it happened that it would be the case.