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Report: Cavaliers face Thursday-morning deadline on approving Isaiah Thomas physical, Celtics trade

Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics - Game One

BOSTON, MA - MAY 17: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half during Game One of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals 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 Elsa/Getty Images)

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When must the Cavaliers decide whether or not to approve Isaiah Thomas’ physical and complete the trade that sends Kyrie Irving to the Celtics?

Conflicting reports have said today and tomorrow. Hopefully, this clears it up.

Tom Westerholm of MassLive:

1. When is the deadline?

If the Cavaliers want to void the deal, they will need to do so by 10 a.m. on Thursday morning.

2. Wait, so why did I hear Wednesday at 10 a.m.?

The best guess is because there WAS a deadline on Wednesday at 10 a.m.: The deadline to send in all the physicals. Obviously, Thomas’s physical had already come through, because the Cavaliers said they were concerned by what they found. That seemed to confuse a lot of people online. The deadline to VOID Thomas’ is deal is Thursday morning.


I’m inclined to believe this, not only because Westerholm is on top of things, but also because he explains the confusion. That speaks to his thorough understanding of the issue.

The teams can keep discussing whether or not Boston will send Cleveland additional compensation. They can even agree to delay the deadline – a fascinating prospect given the power dynamics.

But with the deadline nearing, maybe this saga will finally get resolved.