Ainge: Irving's 'best years are ahead of him'

While statistically, Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas have been close to the same player over the past few seasons, Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge hinted at why he agreed to Tuesday's blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Caveliers that swapped the two guards.

"Kyrie is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He has proven that on the biggest stage, the NBA Finals, the last three years," Ainge said in a team release Tuesday night. "For all he's accomplished, we think his best years are ahead of him."

Irving, 25, is a four-time All-Star. Thomas, 28, is a two-time All-Star.

Related: Why the Kyrie-for-Isaiah swap doesn't necessarily make either team better

Acquiring Irving could keep him in a Celtics uniform at least through 2019. Thomas will hit unrestricted free agency next summer.

Ainge also thanked Thomas and Jae Crowder for their service to the Celtics.

"Isaiah embodied what it meant to be a Celtic. He captured fans' hearts not only with his spirit, but his personality," said Ainge. "Jae’s toughness was contaigious for our team. He improved his skills each year, but it’s his energy and fight that will be remembered."