It was a tough day for Cleveland Cavaliers fans. Well, it was confusing.

The Cavs traded four-time All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster deal that came on the heels of Irving requesting a trade out of Cleveland last month.

And even though things have been strange between Irving and LeBron James, there’s no question how much James respects Irving. That much was apparent in his public goodbye to Irving:

“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”

James quote-tweeted a video of a fan with an Irving jersey on the ground. But unlike some other fans who have set fire to former superstars’ jerseys after they left town, Tony Hartman did no such thing.

With the caption “OK Cavs fans you know what to do..” it seemed like it was going to be another Kevin Durant situation.

But after the tandem brought Cleveland its first championship in more than 50 years, there’s no question that King James would be thankful to Irving.

With Irving headed to Boston, the Eastern Conference champs are getting All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder and rookie center Ante Zizic. The Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick will also go to Cleveland.

But James and Irving won’t be away from each other for too long. The Cavs face the Celtics to open the 2017-18 season.

Related coverage from Yahoo Sports:
• Dan Wetzel: What the blockbuster trade means for LeBron
• How the Celtics granted Kyrie Irving’s wish
• Kyrie’s trade fuels one of the NBA’s great feuds
• Cleveland sets up for now, eyes future in Irving-Thomas swap