Trade isn’t final but Jae Crowder already working out in Cavs gear

Should the Cavs pull back the trade, then deal Irving to Phoenix or NY or anywhere else, they’d have succeeded in moving Irving while also wreaking havoc with Boston, their top challenger in the East.

Thomas’ hip injury, which forced him to miss the final three games of last season’s Eastern Conference Finals, raised concern about the timetable for his return and now the Cavs’ are reportedly seeking one of the Celtics’ young stars, or an additional draft pick.

Neither player may increase the Cavs’ championship odds much in 2017, but when paired with a draft pick could help Cleveland land another All-Star to pair alongside James, Kevin Love and Thomas – provided he’s eventually at full strength and still included in the deal. Sure, Cleveland can veto the deal, but then what? However, it would certainly be a relief to finalize a deal, as we all thought they had.

The buzz around what the trade could mean for the balance of power in the East (as someone looks to stop the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty) made the creation of the items a no-brainer for the NBA Store’s brass, who must be quite confident that the setback for Thomas will not nullify the move.

The Cavs have until 10 a.m. ET Thursday to pass Thomas’ physical, but the team’s could mutually agree to extend the deadline.

If the Cavaliers do attempt to gain additional assets, they are expected to inquire about Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, according to Wojnarowski (h/t Joshua Schrock of NESN).

Thomas has a torn labrum in his right hip and he elected not to have surgery. Unlike the Celtics, the Cavs aren’t necessarily in an awkward situation. He’s already asked to be traded, and it’s unlikely Cleveland would be able to land another package that remotely approaches the Celtics’ offering.

The incentive for the completion of this deal is totally on the Celtics.

For the Celtics’ part, they would not want to give up Irving. Either team can call off the trade at this point. If this attempt goes pear-shaped, they could always renegotiate with the Cavs and throw in the extra asset. They know all too well the strengths and weaknesses of Thomas and Crowder, and clearly felt that swapping them and an unprotected pick (they still have another lottery pick from the Lakers in their back pockets) weren’t too steep a price to pay, even to a conference rival.

The Cavaliers’ reportedly requested either Tatum or Brown early in negotiations, and were flatly rejected by Celtics management. Maybe the Celtics include a future first-round pick but demand another player back in return.

The Nets pick might be the gem of the deal – one that can be dealt for another star or used to pick up the pieces after a second LeBron exit.

Either way, the blockbuster trade involving Irving, Thomas et al is at the crossroads.