Cavs deal Irving to Celtics for Thomas

In a trade that shakes up the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers dealt point guard Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday for a package including point guard Isaiah Thomas and a 2018 first-round draft pick.

Irving had requested a trade last month, and with LeBron James also possibly leaving the team next year, the Cavs made a move aimed at both short- and long-term interests.

Irving, who has been with the Cavs since they made him the No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, will be joining the team he helped defeat in May’s Eastern Conference Finals. In addition to Thomas, the Celtics are sending forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and the Nets’ 2018 first-rounder.

The 2012 NBA rookie of the year and a four-time allstar, Irving is considered one of the most gifted offensive players in the league. Last season, the 25-year-old averaged a career-high 25.2 points, adding 5.8 assists while helping Cleveland reach its third straight NBA Finals.

Thomas, 28, blossomed in his second full season in Boston, following stints in Sacramento, which made him the final pick in the 2011 draft, and Phoenix. The 5-9 player averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists, and he gained particular renown for fourth-quarter scoring prowess as he was named to his second straight all-star squad.

Thomas became a favorite in Boston, just as Irving was in Cleveland, and more than a few Celtics fans are likely unhappy to see the diminutive star sent away. However, the Celtics were in a tricky position with Thomas, who is heading into the final year of his contract and could have demanded a multiyear extension with annual salaries of around $30 million.

Instead, the Cavs may be inclined to let Thomas walk away at the end of the season, especially if James makes it clear that he is doing the same. In the meantime, Cleveland should be able to compete for a fourth straight Finals appearance and a second championship with those two stars, a rugged veteran in Crowder, and talented holdovers in Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith.

The Nets’ pick should land in somewhere in the lottery, even if Brooklyn improves this season, as expected. Also helping the Cavs lay the groundwork for the future is Zizic, a 6-11, 20-year-old Croatian taken 23rd in the 2016 draft, who showed great promise while playing in Europe last season.

Irving has three years and $30 million left on his contract, with an opt-out clause before the 2019-20 season. A New Jersey native, he reportedly hoped to be dealt to the Knicks, after also listing the Spurs, Timberwolves and Heat as his preferred destinations, but he reportedly agreed to waive his trade kicker to join the Celtics.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Irving was “thrilled” with the trade to Boston and has already indicated that the team will have a “great chance” to sign him to a contract extension.