The Cavaliers appear to be attempting to shake down the Celtics for more compensation in the trade that will see the two teams swap All-Star point guards, but don’t expect Boston to budge.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reports that the Celtics feel they were open and honest when working out a trade that would send Kyrie Irving to Boston and Isaiah Thomas to Cleveland. Even if the Cavs were unhappy with the results of Thomas’ physical, that doesn’t mean the Celtics are going to agree to a new price point.
Boston believes it was completely transparent w/Cleveland on IT's hip injury, per sources. Expect Celtics to strongly resist any sweetener.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) August 26, 2017
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe heard something similar, noting that the Celtics are not pleased with Cleveland’s sudden change of heart.
Hearing the #Celtics weren't pleased with #Cavs coming back on trade and requesting compensation. May take hard line stance.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) August 27, 2017
Danny Ainge would be wise to hold his ground, though you have to wonder if he regrets the comments he made about Thomas’ injury. Unless there’s some sort of issue Cavs doctors discovered that they believe requires surgery, there shouldn’t be any information they didn’t already know. Plus, the Celtics are still offering the best deal, or Cleveland wouldn’t have taken it in the first place. Cold feet or not, Boston is still in the driver’s seat.
