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The Isaiah Thomas era in Cleveland lasted all but a mere months, because the Cleveland Cavaliers are parting ways with the former All-Star point guard. With all the turmoil going on in the locker room, the team has made a trade deadline move and sent IT4, Channing Frye and their first round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Larry Lance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the pick the Lakers will receive is protected.
Three impactful details on trade for Lakers: They'll have space for two max contract slots in 2018 or 2019, replenish first-round pick in 2018 Draft and gets Lakers some shooting for rest of season with Thomas and Frye.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Source: The Cavaliers 2018 first-round pick is protected.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
This is unfortunate for Thomas, who last night said he was happy in Cleveland and wanted to stay there. Unfortunately, the front office had other plans. He’s still recovering from hip injury and playing through the rust. He hasn’t been looking like the Boston Celtics savior as of late, though he’s shown flashes. Now he gets to start all over in sunny L.A.
The trade frees up cap space for the Lakers, who are looking to sign big free agents this upcoming summer and most likely in 2019. Could they get one or two? They’ll have the money to pull up the Brinks truck, at least.
The Cavs get some defensive help and bounce from Nance Jr. and some offensive firepower from the bench with Clarkson, who can shoot the lights out on command. Not to mention, they get two young pieces moving forward if King LeBron James leaves this offseason.