Report: Celtics' Irving 'ecstatic' about trade, playing for Brad Stevens

The fresh start Kyrie Irving so desperately coveted has come to fruition, and the All-Star guard couldn't be happier about it.

Irving is reportedly "ecstatic" about being traded to the Boston Celtics and is looking forward to playing for head coach Brad Stevens, a source told The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn.

The 25-year-old understands the significance of competing in Celtics green, as well as the long and storied history of the franchise that includes a record 17 championships.

While trade discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers hit some roadblocks, the deal was ultimately finalized Wednesday night with Irving being sent to Boston in exchange for fellow All-Star Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, the Brooklyn Nets' unprotected first-round pick in 2018, and a 2020 second rounder.

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Thomas' injured hip concerned Cleveland, who held out for further compensation. The hope was that a young talent like Jayson Tatum or Jalen Brown would be added, but to no avail.

Irving underwent his physical Saturday, and will now be wearing No. 11 after donning No. 2 - which is retired by the Celtics for Red Auerbach - in Cleveland. His father, Drederick Irving, wore No. 11 during his four years at Boston University.

Despite advancing to three-straight Finals, with a title win in 2016 that ended Cleveland's historic drought, Irving sought greener pastures because of his desire to step out of LeBron James' shadow.

Fans won't have to wait long to see Irving battle his former squad, as Boston visits Quicken Loans Arena to face the Cavaliers in a rematch of the Eastern Conference finals to open the season on Oct. 17.