12:58pm: Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press (Twitter link) hears that the Bucks didn’t offer Middleton, Brogdon, and a first-round pick for Irving. It’s not uncommon for there to be conflicting reports on trade offers, since there can be ambiguity about what a team is willing to offer and what that team formally offers. Whether or not the Bucks put that package on the table, it was unlikely to be enough for the Cavs.
11:32am: The Suns were long viewed as a potential frontrunner in the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes, but Phoenix never really got close to landing the star point guard, per John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link). According to Gambadoro though, another team that was in the mix for Irving and made a strong offer was the Bucks, who put Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, and a first-round pick on the table.
It’s easy to see why the Celtics’ offer – which included an All-Star in Isaiah Thomas and a stronger first-round pick – was more appealing to the Cavs than Milwaukee’s proposal. Boston’s package, which also featured Jae Crowder and rookie center Ante Zizic, should give Cleveland a better chance to contend for a title in 2017/18, and may also give the Cavs a better chance to land a young star, since that 2018 Nets pick may end up in the top five.
Still, Thomas’ hip is a concern and he’s under contract for only one more year, making him a bit of a risk. The Bucks’ offer would have given the Cavaliers the reigning Rookie of the Year (Brogdon) on an extremely affordable contract (about $3MM over the next two years), and a dangerous shooter and scorer in Middleton, who is on a reasonable contract of his own (about $27MM over the next two years). Milwaukee’s 2018 first-round pick figures to fall in the late-teens or 20s, however.
While the Bucks fell short in their pursuit of Irving, it’s worth remembering that the team was willing to make a play for the All-Star point guard. That point guard spot is perhaps the most glaring area of concern for Milwaukee heading into 2017/18, so the team figures to keep an eye out for potential upgrades again at the 2018 trade deadline and next offseason.
I like the Bucks package more sans Brooklyn 1st round pick, which is why I’m sure they went with Boston’s package. IMO, Middleton/Brogdon is better than Thomas/Crowder. Maybe if the Bucks added a future first along with their 2018 they could’ve landed Irving.
Would’ve been fun to watch Giannis and Irving play together offensively.
You must not have watched many celtics games last year..
Brogdon destroyed Boston a couple times though. Not that that’s enough to take him over Boston’s package, but I like Brogdon a lot.
Kyrie, Parker and the Greek Freak would been have dangerous in the East.
I don’t blame the Cavs for not wanting any part of that deal.
Really not even close. Middleton had a regression of a year and brogdan has one year under his belt. Both Thomas and crowder are proven nba level players plus the 1st overall.
I like the Celtics’ offer better too, but I think it’s unfair to say Middleton regressed — his per-minute numbers and shooting percentages were basically the same as the year before, and he was coming back from a torn hamstring. I think he’ll be really good in 2017/18 if he’s back to 100% health.
Regression? He had a better FG and 3pt shooting % than the year before. Only negative last year was the injury.
Neither player offers the same “oommp” as IT or Irving but both are good young players but lacking star power that the Cavs would’ve had for 2-3 years. The Bucks are already a good team and with Irving I’m sure the pick wouldn’t have been in the top 15. That’s the main difference I think.
The Bucks’ offer was actually really good, and given the position the Cavs were in, I thought that would have been the best they could have done and worth taking. The Celtics’ offer was just way too good to turn down though.
Yeah if they had been willing to include another piece like Thon Maker I think they could’ve made soemthing work, and if Thomas doesn’t resign and the Nets aren’t as bad as people think, this could end up being an awful return, unless they win the Finals. The Milwaukee offer could’ve provided long term security, but I think the higher risk of the Celtics offer is worth the reward.
I agree. I like the Celtics’ offer because it has the better blend of present and future value, but that Nets pick is a huge wild card. If it’s in the 7-10 range, I’d be more tempted to have taken the Bucks’ offer, but I’m a big fan of Crowder so I still might have taken Boston’s.
If they move the pick as part of a package for another star and retain IT or Crowder, they win the deal.
Cavs would need to take parker in a deal like that
My opinion is swayed mostly by my lack of confidence in IT to continue to play at the level he did last year. I wasn’t sold on his longevity even prior to his hip injury.
Our point guard position is fine. Brogdon looked great last year and Giannis plays the point.
[post-12:58 update]If they did not offer that, they probably would have, because they need to keep GianA interested in staying. But I doubt the Cavs pushed because Gilbert wanted a star element, not just several good young players. Denver, out of division, has that too… and Boston with that probably high pick… Bucks are enjoyable to watch.
Very good move by Boston !
Brooklyn is good enough this year his pick is not a present. Isiah is to old and Crank crowder is ok but not great !!!