Isaiah Thomas: Boston did not get better with trade

MANILA, Philippines – Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas recently broke his silence following the blockbuster deal from the Boston Celtics, and through a Players’ Tribune piece said that his former team “did not get better by making this trade.” 

In the article that came out on Wednesday, September 6 (Thursday in Manila), Thomas opened up about everything that went on during the trade – from getting the fateful phone call from general manager Danny Ainge, to breaking the news to his family, and all the emotions that transpired in between.

“It still hurt bad,” Thomas wrote about his reaction post-trade. “And I hope people can understand that when I say it hurt, it isn’t directed at anyone. I’m not saying I was hurt by anyone, or wronged by anyone, or betrayed. I’m just saying, man, I’m only human.” 

“And so when I say this hurts, man — just know that it isn’t because of anything anyone else did. It’s only because of something I did. I fell in love with Boston.” 

The two-time All Star further explained that while he understood the business, he doesn’t think that the Celtics made improvement with their recent move. 

“Of course I get it: This is a business. Danny is a businessman, and he made a business move. I don’t agree with it, just personally, and I don’t think the Boston Celtics got better by making this trade,” he revealed. 

But his former coach Brad Stevens, on a sit-down interview via The Celtics on CSN Twitter page, had nothing but high praise for the playmaker, saying that Thomas “will always have an impact on Boston.”

Here’s Brad Stevens on the @Isaiah_Thomas @PlayersTribune article #CelticsTalk pic.twitter.com/Z8t8nD2QRe

— The Celtics on CSN (@CelticsCSN) September 6, 2017

Looking forward, Thomas said that he’s very much excited to play with LeBron James and the rest of the Cavaliers next season. 

“You are not going to want to mess with the Cavs this year. This is going to be a great year to be a Cavs fan, a great year. And I’m excited.” 

The 28-year-old Thomas was dealt to the Eastern Conference champs along with Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, a 2018 first-round selection through the Brooklyn Nets, and a 2020 second-round pick in exchange for fellow All Star guard Kyrie Irving. 

He averaged 28.9 points (career-high) and 5.9 assists per game in his last season with Boston. – Rappler.com