NBA Rumors: Cavs, Celtics Reassess Blockbuster Kyrie Irving Trade After Isaiah Thomas Physical

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers’ blockbuster trade has hit a snag, and the teams are set to discuss its status Saturday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Cavaliers have medical concerns about guard Isaiah Thomas, who they were set to receive from the Celtics.

Thomas injured his hip last season in the Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and Cavaliers. Boston shut Thomas down before the end of the series, ending his season early.

The proposed trade would send four-time All-Star guard Kyrie Irving to the Celtics in exchange for Thomas, forwards Jae Crowder and Ante Zizic, as well as a 2018 first-round pick that the Celtics acquired from the Brooklyn Nets. The trade now could involve additional compensation for Irving, and maybe more draft picks, according to ESPN.

Thomas does not need surgery for the injury, but it is unclear when he will be able to return for action, according to the Boston Globe. Thomas’ injury happened early last season and he aggravated it again in postseason play.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge admitted that Thomas’ age, injury and contract factored into the 5-foot-9-inch guard getting traded, according to the Boston Herald.

“Contracts do play a part in trades, no doubt,” Ainge told the Herald.

Thomas, 28, is entering the last year of his contract and has repeatedly stated that he is seeking a maximum deal in his next contract, even buying a pair of sandals depicting a Brink’s Truck pouring out dollar bills earlier this month.

If Cleveland rescinds the trade it would send all players involved back to their respective teams. The Cavaliers have until Thursday to make a decision on the trad,e according to ESPN. Voiding the trade would put both teams in an awkward position.

Irving, 25, requested that the Cavaliers trade him off of the team this off-season. He averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 assists in 72 regular season appearances this year. Cleveland reached the NBA finals last season against the Golden State Warriors, but lost the series, 4-1.

Thomas became a folk hero during his time in Boston, both because of his size and perseverance. He posted a career high 28.9 points per game last season. Thomas also returned to the court during the playoffs immediately after his sister died in a car accident.