Cavs to seek further compensation after Thomas' physical results

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has reported the Cleveland Cavaliers will seek more compensation after assessing the results of Isaiah Thomas' physical.


The Cavs, who could void the deal if they are not satisfied with the results of the physical, might seem to many to have the Boston Celtics over a barrel. However, it's worth keeping in mind that while returning Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Thomas back to Boston might be very awkward indeed, it would be very improbable Cleveland could find another deal so suited to their potential options next season should LeBron James decide to stay or go. It's also worth noting returning Irving to a team he's nearly forced his way off of would be far from pleasant for that organization as well, making any future trades potentially more difficult to navigate if Irving denies a waiver of his trade kicker.



The Celts still have a fairly significant war chest of assets to sweeten the deal, including all their own first-round picks, and all second-round picks after 2019. They also control either the 2018 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick or the better of the 2019 Sacramento Kings or Philadelphia 76ers pick acquired in trading back for Jayson Tatum in this year's draft, the 2019 Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies' first-round picks, and the Miami Heat's 2020 second-round pick.

Personally, I am of the mind that Boston's 2018 or -19 first-rounder and a second-round pick (or one of Kadeem Allen or Jabari Bird) is as far as Ainge should budge. The Cavs are already getting great value for what could turn into a nightmare for them otherwise, and they knew what to expect from the rip. What do you think fair value should be here?

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Image: Sports Illustrated
Video: ESPN
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