Dan Gilbert, LeBron James thank Kyrie Irving following trade

CLEVELAND– Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert thanked Kyrie Irving in a release, following his trade to the Boston Celtics.

“On behalf of the entire franchise, I want to thank Kyrie Irving for the six impressive years he spent in Cleveland wearing the Cavaliers uniform,” said Gilbert.

“From the moment we won the 2011 NBA lottery that put us in position to draft Kyrie to the ‘The Shot’ that sealed our first NBA championship and all of the electrifying play that made him a joy to watch, ‘excitement’ was always in the air when it came to Kyrie Irving. We wish him and his family well as he moves on to the next phase of his NBA career.”

LeBron James took to Twitter, saying that Irving is a “special talent” and that he has “nothing but respect” for Irving. James quoted the tweet from a fan leaving a thank you note on an Irving jersey.

That's the only way to be to the kid! Special talent/guy! Nothing but respect and what a ride it was our 3 years together Young Gode #Filayy https://t.co/wKYmYsmdgG

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 23, 2017

While Gilbert and James thanked Irving, general manager Koby Altman focused on the new additions to the team, Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and Ante Zizic.

“The trade needed to include both players and assets that we felt strongly could help us continue to compete for championships and we believe it does,” Altman said. “We look forward to Isaiah, Jae and Ante joining us and also felt that the unprotected first round pick in the deal was very important for us and our future as well.”