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“I don’t want to be traded” were the words that came out of Isaiah Thomas’ mouth after the Cavaliers’ exciting victory over the Timberwolves Wednesday night. Suffice it to say that his wish was not granted as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports IT has been shipped to the Lakers for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance.
The blockbuster details from Woj:
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
Source: The Cavaliers 2018 first-round pick is protected.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
And thus ends a very dramatic 15-game stint in Cleveland for Isaiah. He struggled mightily and shot just 36 percent while averaging 14.7 points and 4.5 assists. Our lasting memory of him in Cavs jersey will likely be LeBron blatantly ignoring him after sinking the game winner:
This is too funny. Watch Isaiah Thomas try to celebrate with LeBron. pic.twitter.com/MqLu5xm6VI
— David Astramskas (@redapples) February 8, 2018
Of course, another major angle to this trade is that Cleveland helped the Lakers in their pursuit of LeBron James and Paul George this coming offseason:
"The Cavaliers have just cleared a path for the Lakers to go after Paul George and LeBron James this summer."
–Brian Windhorst pic.twitter.com/MSv6bETxVr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 8, 2018
Sidenote: Isaiah’s tribute video in Boston is postponed once again, big win for Paul Pierce:
Isaiah Thomas’ Boston tribute video will still have to wait until next season. Lakers already visited Boston on Nov. 8.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 8, 2018