Kyrie Irving remained quiet when reports first surfaced of the Cleveland Cavaliers trading him to the Boston Celtics last week.

Perhaps that's because the All-Star point guard was waiting for that trade to become official. And that finally happened this morning when the Celtics added a 2020 second-round draft pick to an existing package of All-Star Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and an unprotected 2018 first-round draft pick from the Brooklyn Nets to be sent to the Cavs in exchange for Irving.

That being said, hours after the blockbuster trade was finally made official, Irving posted this touching clip that he recorded on the video platform Tout. In it, he thanks The Land thoroughly.

“I spent part of my life and my years in the NBA in such a great environment in Cleveland,” says Irving, who won an NBA title with the Cavs in 2016. “I still can’t believe just the feats that we reached in a six-year span and I’m truly grateful and I’m thankful.”

The footage also has him explaining his choice to request a trade from the Cavs.

“That moment comes and you take full advantage of it and there are no other ulterior reasons other than being happy," he continued, "and wanting to be somewhere where you feel like it’s an environment that’s conducive for you maximizing your potential as a human being.”

Take a look at the sincere video below.

He also posted this message on his Instagram account, vowing that it "will always be love and respect" for the city.

"Uncle Drew" won't have to wait long to see how he's received back in Cleveland, considering his Celtics will tip off their 2017-18 season against LeBron James and the Cavs in The Land on October 17.

For what it's worth, King James gave Irving nothing but love in a tweet last week.

"Nothing but respect and what a ride it was our three years together," he wrote.

That being said, although Kyrie sent his heartfelt gratitude to Cleveland via this video and IG post, he can't wait to become a Celtics' fan favorite in Boston, because he also posted this sequence straight out of NBA 2K18 with him in a Celtics uniform. Early!

Next season is going to be interesting, especially since it starts off with Kyrie's return to Cleveland.

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