1. The supermax contracts and the salary cap are huge shadows that are being cast over the NBA right now. Honestly, part of me thinks that the Celtics wanted this trade because they had a chance to get Kyrie Irving, a high caliber player that is making 20 million a year for the next two years and a player option for the third as opposed to Isaiah Thomas, a high caliber player that is making 6 million this year and becomes a free agent. Thomas is going to be asking for a lot of money and the Celtics went with a more sure bet than Thomas in Irving. After two years, Irving can opt out and get a huge payday, but the Celtics don't have to deal with that right now as opposed to the Thomas situation that would have been a big problem next summer. Isaiah Thomas as a free agent next summer is going to be very interesting because if Lebron leaves, I am not sure that you bring him back. However, this was their chance to be able to hit the reset button with a very young player in Zizic and an unprotected Nets pick that will more than likely be in the top 10 if not the top 5.
2. NBA Fans are horrible people in some cases. I never understood the burning of jerseys and I still don't. Any video of any Celtics fan burning an Isaiah Thomas jersey is just ridiculous. He was traded, he constantly recruited for the team, and played his heart out for the team. It's funny that people wonder why NBA players are so willing to leave their team and go to a new one.
3. The pressure on Kyrie Irving this season is going to be ridiculous. He asked to be traded and be off of Lebron's team meaning that all year he will be compared to his old team. If they are doing better, if he is struggling, the pressure will be on. There will be annoying stats like Kyrie with the Cavs vs. Isaiah with the Cavs. I hope he is ready to deal with the pressure. Honestly, I think he will do great with Boston, he is just too talented to struggle.
4. The Celtics are going to rely a lot on their three stars. While many people want to make comparisons to the 2007-08 team, it is not the case. Hayward, Horford, and Irving are great players and I like how their skill sets will match up. Horford is a good offensive player, but his strength is in his ability to pass and move the ball. Hayward seems poised for a jump in offensive productivity. He is the type of player that allows his opportunities to come from the offense, but he has the ability to be more aggressive. Irving is one of the best isolation players in the league coming off of 3 seasons with Lebron. He is going to have to get used to more attention because of the three Celtics stars, he is the scariest player to deal with on offense. If Irving, Hayward, and Horford do not find a way to mesh, the Celtics are in trouble.
5. The Cavaliers are going to trade Kevin Love. Based on what they received in this trade in Jae Crowder, the Cavs now have a perfect small 4 that can play alongside Lebron and Tristan Thompson in the frontcourt. That is the lineup at the end of games for them. Kevin Love is now more expendable than he has ever been. I would be shocked if Kevin Love makes it to February on the Cavs. Kevin Love is a valuable trade chip in some regards and if the Cavs want more Lebron insurance, this is their chance to really get young players or draft picks. This is also their chance to cut some serious payroll after this season if they trade Love.
6. The NBA is crazy in the offseason and it is so much fun to watch players go to new teams and try and think about how players will fit. I am so excited to see Thomas with the Cavs and Irving with the Celtics. It will definitely make the East a little more intriguing for sure.