Kyrie Irving Traded To Boston Celtics: Reports

CLEVELAND, OH — After more than a month of speculation, Kyrie Irving, star point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been traded to the Boston Celtics. One of the heroes of the 2016 NBA Finals will be shipped to Beantown in return, reportedly, for point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and Brooklyn's 2018 first round draft pick, as first reported by ESPN.

Rumors of Irving's discontent first started coming to the surface in July. The 25-year-old then reportedly requested a trade away from Cleveland in discussions with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. Then the media circus began. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Cleveland newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

Over the past month and a half or so, Irving has been at the center of dozens of trade rumors. The Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics were the teams most commonly linked to the Cavs as trade partners. Phoenix was reportedly uninterested in parting with rookie forward Josh Jackson in any potential deal with Cleveland.

ESPN broke news of the deal, which was finalized on Tuesday. You can read the network's full story here.

The desire to depart the Cavs is at least partially motivated by Irving seeking to escape the shadow of LeBron James. Irving wants to be the focal point of his own team.

Brian Windhorst reported that James was blindsided by Irving's request.

Sam Amico, of Amico Hoops, notes that the Cavaliers will play the Celtics in the season opener.

Irving cemented himself in Cleveland sporting lore two years ago, when he drilled the game-winning 3-pointer in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. All of the goodwill generated by his long tenure in Cleveland, being drafted number one overall in 2011, and his postseason heroics, may be squandered as he prepares to don Celtics green.

That said, after the initial shock and outrage of Irving's trade demand coming to fruition wears off, (like any bad breakup) it will be easier to remember the good times. Like his game-winning bucket in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

Photo from Tony Dejak, Associated Press