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Betrayal in Boston: A True Drama

By Jack Phillips

BOSTON, MA - MAY 17: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to Game One of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 17, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 17: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to Game One of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 17, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The title is a little harsh, I know. But, I think it’s fairly suiting considering the many circumstances that went into the trade.

A few days ago, Kyrie Irving was finally dealt to the Boston Celtics, as the Cleveland Cavaliers gained Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, Brooklyn’s 2018 unprotected first round pick, and Miami’s 2020 second round pick in return.

I think I speak for all of Boston when I say that this trade meant a lot more than an average NBA trade. Some people would go as far as saying that this trade was a betrayal to certain players (spoiler, I’m one of those people).

Although Crowder and Zizic were included in this deal, it was Thomas who, in my opinion, was figuratively “stabbed in the back” by the Celtics organization.

Thomas was traded to Boston back in 2015, and almost immediately, the city fell in love with him. Thomas eventually came to become one of the best point guards to ever wear a Celtics uniform. Sadly, his career in green was cut short just a few days ago.

Looking back at this last postseason, we saw the Celtics have an amazing run and a lot of it was thanks to Thomas, who continuously put the team on his back to win game after game.

But what made his play so spectacular was not only his play on the court, but what he had to deal with off of the court. Thomas’ sister passed away just before the first round of the Playoffs began, where Boston was preparing to take on the 8th seeded Chicago Bulls.

Although most players would have taken time off to deal with such a tragedy, Thomas relentlessly battled every single game and carried Boston to each round nearly by himself. He posted MVP-like numbers and Boston was ready to step into the future with him for the coming seasons.

Then, out of nowhere, Danny Ainge threw Thomas away, along with Crowder and Zizic (don’t get me started on the picks), all for just one point guard. While I admit that Irving is a better asset than Thomas, the trade that occurred just days ago was nowhere near worth it for Boston.

I’ve already argued why I think the trade was terrible from a talent and physical stand point, but when it comes to morality and ethically, Boston had no right to just give Thomas away like they did.

Like I said, he relentlessly fought for the Celtics night in and night out, and he was even starting to get himself into the future MVP conversation. But now, after all he did for Boston, he’ll be wearing different colors next time he comes back to the TD Garden.

Ainge may have gotten the better star out of the trade, but I bet I’m not the only one who lost a little bit of respect for him. Ainge is still a great general manager, don’t get me wrong, but I guarantee you that this deal will haunt him for a long time, especially come next postseason.

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