Fans react: Cavs trade Kyrie Irving to Celtics for Isaiah Thomas

It was the trade no one saw coming, so the internet exploded.

On Tuesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics spoke on a conference call to discuss trading Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving.

The teams came away with the agreement to trade Irving for the Celtics’ point guard Isaiah Thomas, small forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Žižić and the Brooklyn Nets 2018 first-round NBA Draft pick.

Irving requested a trade from Cleveland in July after three-straight trips to the NBA Finals with the Cavaliers and forward LeBron James.

Multiple outlets reported on Wednesday that Irving will wear No. 11 for the Celtics.

To add to the drama of the trade, the Cavaliers open the 2017-2018 season against the Celtics on Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.

Here’s what NBA fans and analysts had to say about the trade:

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper

VOTE: The Final Four of Atlanta sports memories

VOTE: 28-3 or Vick in prison? ‘95 Braves or Sid’s slide?

How social media boosts ‘a-peel’ for Savannah Bananas

The Bananas first went viral on Facebook in 2016 with “Can’t Stop the Peeling,” a rendition of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”

The Latest

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Sports Daily: Ode to an injured fan

VOTE: The Final Four of Atlanta sports memories

Sports Daily: Thanks, I hate it

Featured

Credit: Jenni Girtman

With new American South guide, Michelin highlights Atlanta – but not Georgia

The 2025 Michelin Guide featuring metro Atlanta will expand to include six southern states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Atlanta police say woman made fake 911 call prior to Young Scooter’s death

The bizarre string of events that led to the Atlanta rapper’s death began when Demetria Spence made a fake call to 911, according to police.

Trump’s legal fees, religious liberty and DEI: What made the cut with Georgia lawmakers

Wednesday is the penultimate day of the 2025 Georgia legislative session. It’s expected to be busy as lawmakers rush to get their bills assigned to the House and Senate floor.