Could the Celtics smooth things over with Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas if the proposed trade falls apart? (Winslow Townson/USA Today)Let’s just say for a moment that the Cleveland Cavaliers allow the Kyrie Irving trade to fall through and all players involved, at least temporarily, go back from whence they came. The contingency plans for the Cavs are certainly simpler than they would be for the Boston Celtics. Cleveland would likely still be the team to beat if it takes another Irving deal. But if Boston doesn’t land Irving and suddenly has locker room issues, would the Celtics remain the East’s clear-cut No.

Source: Washington Post August 30, 2017 17:14 UTC