The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have been two of the most active franchises in terms of making moves to their roster over the last few seasons. This blockbuster move, however, many did not see coming! When people think of the two best teams in the same conference, many would not think they would be interested in swapping players; this proved to be completely false. In one of the most surprising trades in NBA history, the 3 time reigning Eastern Conference champions Cleveland Cavaliers sent All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving to the Eastern Conference runner up Boston Celtics in exchange for All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, veteran forward Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets 2018 unprotected first round pick (which will likely be a top 5 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft).

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Many were unsure where Kyrie Irving would end up after he made it known he no longer desired to be a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but many believed he would actually end up in the Western Conference with the Spurs or the Timberwolves. Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017 put all of those rumors to rest, however. In what could be one of the biggest trades in NBA history, where do these organization’s go from here?

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For the two power houses of the Eastern Conference, they have so many potential options and scenarios for their futures. The Boston Celtics and Kyrie Irving will more than likely agree to an extension, but will the Cavs offer their newly acquired superstar in Isaiah Thomas a max contract extension? Thomas will be making just under $6.3 million this season, but he would surely be getting more next year if he will finally be offered the max extension he deserves.

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The moves the Celtics made this offseason have all been beneficial for the future of the Celtics because all of the players that were due to get big pay days including Thomas, Crowder, Bradley, and Olynyk have all been traded or snatched up by another team. By keeping the payroll low, they were able to add Gordon Hayward and also now have the money to sign Kyrie to a huge contract, Kyrie is going to be a top 5 point guard for the next 7-9 years in my opinion, and with the emergence of Gordon Hayward as an elite player, the Celtics have all the role players and superstars that a team needs in the East to take down the Cavs.

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The Cavs however still have the best player in the world in LeBron James who has been to 7 straight NBA Finals, so the Cavs do not have to panic about the Celtics, but they sure do have to worry more about them as a contender. The Cavs still have a top point guard in Thomas as well as a 20 and 10 guy in Kevin Love. Love and Thomas have always wanted to play together, so this connection may actually be beneficial to the Cavs.

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It is rumored that the Cavs have ties to bringing in Dwayne Wade during some point in this season, and it is also rumored that the Celtics would be looking to add Anthony Davis if the Pelicans have another disappointing season. The Celtics do not have to worry about potentially losing the best player in the world again in LeBron James like the Cavs do in the 2018 offseason, so it is definitely in the better interest of the Cavs to try to bring in desirable veterans and draft picks that LeBron views have the potential to help the Cavs win now.

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If LeBron does in fact leave Cleveland again, people should be counting on the Celtics dominating the East for several years to come. Nobody will have the offensive fire power in the East to contend with them because of the perfect mix of veterans and youth that can both help contribute to success.

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In my opinion, the Cavs won the trade right now. Rumors have arisen that this trade may be voided because of Isiah Thomas’ hip injury, which impacts his ability to pass a physical with the Cavs. The Cavs are seeking further compensation for this reason. Anything from another draft pick to new star forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown may be headed to Cleveland as part of this deal. But right now, the Cavs have won this trade for sure. The Eastern Conference has faced a big shake up in star power this offseason, and I know I am not the only one excited for Kyrie’s return to Cleveland in his first game as a Celtic, which just happens to be the first game of the season for both of these teams! It has been the greatest offseason of all time, and I hope it translates into one of the best NBA seasons we have ever experienced.