The Cleveland Cavaliers gave their roster a complete overhaul at the NBA's trade deadline today, trading away six players, including Dwyane Wade, Jae Crowder, and Isaiah Thomas. Wade is heading back to Miami, Crowder is Utah bound and, in the biggest shocker of the trade deadline, Isaiah Thomas is going to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Cavs packaged Isaiah Thomas with Channing Frye, as well as their 2018 first round pick, in exchange for point guard, Jordan Clarkson, and explosive forward, Larry Nance Jr. Thomas, 29, played in just 15 games for the Cavs this season after recovering from a hip injury. In those 15 games this season he is averaging 14.7 points and 4.5 assist per night. According to ESPN Stats & Info, when LeBron and Isaiah were on the floor this season the Cavs were outscored by 15.5 points per 100 possessions.
Thomas' agent has reportedly said that Isaiah doesn't have any interest in coming off the bench for the Lakers, and would rather be bought out if that's the case. However, Allie LaForce is reporting that Magic Johnson said, “Lonzo is our starting point guard. And that hasn’t changed,” when asked how him and Thomas will fit together. He added, “It’s not about starting, it’s about minutes and he’s gonna get a lot of minutes."
Naturally, #NBATwitter had a field in wake of today's news. Peep the reactions below.
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