Sports

Celtics acquire Kyrie Irving in blockbuster deal

BOSTON — The Celtics and Cavaliers have agreed on a blockbuster trade, according to ESPN, swapping All-Stars and shaking up the landscape of the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Boston acquired Kyrie Irving from the Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets 2018 first round pick.

Irving, who has played his entire six-year career in Cleveland, is a four-time All-Star and 2016 NBA Champion who has averaged 21.6 points per game.

In 2017, Irving averaged 25.2 points per game, his highest career points average. He also averaged 5.8 assists, while shooting 40% from three-point range.

Thomas has been the heartbeat of the Celtics since being acquired during the 2014-15 season. He led Boston to three straight playoff appearances and played this year's postseason with an injured hip that is expected to be 100% when the season starts.

Hey Boston Celtics fans, what do you think of tonight's huge trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers? https://boston25.com/blockbuster

Posted by Boston 25 News on Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Crowder was acquired from the Mavericks in 2015, averaged 13.9 points per game in 2017. The 6'6" forward shot 39% from three-point range last season.

Zizic, a 7-footer from Croatia, was drafted by the Celtics in 2016 and spent last year playing for Cibona Zagreb. He played well in spurts for the Celtics during Summer League play this season.

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The Celtics also send the Brooklyn Nets first round pick in 2018 to the Cavaliers. The pick was acquired when Danny Ainge sent Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Nets to finish out their careers.