The trade of the summer has hit a snag.
After conducting a physical on Isaiah Thomas on Friday, the Cavaliers are seeking further compensation from the Celtics before finalizing the trade that would send Kyrie Irving to Boston, sources have told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Story posting soon on ESPN: After Thomas physical, Cavs planning to seek further compensation before finalizing Irving trade to Boston.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2017
Last Tuesday the two teams agreed to a deal that would send Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round draft pick to Cleveland in exchange for Irving. After conducting Thomas’ physical, however, the Cavaliers have determined that the All-Star point guard’s injured hip is worse than originally thought, and are now asking for an additional asset from Boston before they sign off on the deal. According to Wojnarowski, “the Cavaliers’ stance could trigger a standoff between Cleveland and Boston officials, forcing both organizations to weigh the consequences of letting the blockbuster trade implode.”
Thomas, 28, re-aggrivated the already injured hip in Game 2 of the Cavs-Celtics Eastern Conference Finals series last season, knocking him out for the remainder of the series. The hip did not require surgery this offseason and Thomas said in early August that he “should be ready” for training camp. The Cavaliers, however, are “concerned about the timeline for his return this season,” and according to Wojnarowski, “may try to make the case that Boston undersold them on the scope of the Thomas injury, and more specifically, how soon Thomas could be prepared to play this season.”
Boston on the other hand believes it was clear during negotiations with the Cavaliers regarding Irving’s status, and may take a hard line stance according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.
Hearing the #Celtics weren’t pleased with #Cavs coming back on trade and requesting compensation. May take hard line stance.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) August 27, 2017
The Cavs have until 10 a.m. ET Thursday to pass Thomas’ physical, but the team’s could mutually agree to extend the deadline. If the Celtics indeed stand pat and the Cavs decide to void the trade, it would lead to an awkward situation for all parties involved, with the players returning to their original teams for next season, unless another trade is executed before that time. It seems likely that Clevland would immediately look to move Irving elsewhere, after he initiated this deal by requesting a trade last month, citing a desire to be the “focal point” of his own team. It is unlikely that the Cavaliers would be able to get a haul as valuable as what the Celtics are willing to send elsewhere on the open market.