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Just last night, Isaiah Thomas told reporters, “I’m tired of being traded. I like it here. I definitely want to be here.” And today, IT is reportedly being traded for the fourth time in seven NBA seasons.
According to ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavaliers are shipping Isaiah Thomas to the Lakers just fifteen games into a tumultuous experiment in Cleveland. IT has been packaged with a 34-year-old Channing Frye and a 2018 first-round pick for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.
Cleveland is sending Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye to the Lakers for Clarkson and Nance, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Cavaliers also sending its 2018 first-round pick in deal to Lakers, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Teams are getting on trade call now. Done deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Source: The Cavaliers 2018 first-round pick is protected.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
After missing the first 36 games of the season, Thomas is averaging 14.7 points per game (nearly half of his 28.9 ppt average last season with the Celtics), and is shooting career worsts from the field (.361 shooting percentage ) and 3-point range (.253). The Cavs are 7-10 since Thomas’ long-awaited return and are being outscored by 15.1 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. Channing Frye is 34 and in the twilight of his NBA career, averaging 4.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg.
The Cavs will be getting a good young scorer in Jordan Clarkson, who was averaging 14.5 points per contest with the Lakers and high-flying rotation forward in Larry Nance Jr–averaging 8.6 ppg, 6.8 rpg, and 1.4 apg. They are also getting some much needed youth, as both players are just 25 years old.
This trade also clears the Lakers cap space to position themselves to acquire a high-profile free agent this summer. *Cough cough* LeBron James.
[h/t ESPN]