The Cavaliers reportedly seeking Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum as enticement to pass Isaiah Thomas’ physical and complete the held-up Kyrie Irving trade? That was always clearly just posturing.
But with the deadline looming, it’s time for the Cavs and Celtics to find a viable solution.
Cleveland and Boston officials started to engage each other on a solution on Tuesday, league sources told ESPN. Cleveland is no longer seeking one of the Celtics’ top young players or significant draft picks, league sources said. The Cavaliers could be inclined to complete the deal for a late first-round pick or second-round considerations, league sources said.
The Celtics leaking word about not trading any other assets was also probably just posturing. They might relent on a low first-rounder or second-rounder.
It sounds increasingly likely the teams find a suitable deal, one where Cleveland gets an additional asset for taking on greater-than-expected risk with Thomas’ health and Boston still gets one of the youngest stars ever to change teams.
