NBA: Isaiah Thomas Sent to the Lakers
Cavaliers Receive:
• Jordan Clarkson (SG)
• Larry Nance Jr. (PF)
Lakers Receive:
• Isaiah Thomas (PG)
• Channing Frye (PF)
• 2018 First Round Pick.
Isaiah Thomas (Los Angeles Lakers): Thomas, a one-time NBA All-Star, is having a pretty bad year. After averaging 19.0 points per game for his career, he's dropped down to just 14.7 points. He also adds 4.5 assists per night. Thomas was traded to the Cavs last summer in return for Kyrie Irving, and it just wasn't a good fit in Cleveland. He didn't seem to get along with Lebron James or Tyronn Lue, and his hip injury has caused issues. Fox Sports' Chris Broussard said: "I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't finish the season with L.A."
Jordan Clarkson (Cleveland Cavaliers): Clarkson is averaging 14.5 points and 3.3 assists per game, and will likely find a similar role in Cleveland. He wasn't starting for the Los Angeles Lakers, and that trend is going to continue as he joins a Cavs team that has a ton of guards. The Cavaliers were expected to make trades at the deadline in order to get more efficient, better on defense, and a little bit younger. With this acquisition, they did a pretty good job of that. Clarkson will be expected to continue to score double-digit points.
Larry Nance Jr. (Cleveland Cavaliers): Nance Jr.'s father played for the Cavaliers, and was born in Akron. It seems like a perfect fit for the former-Wyoming forward. Nance seems like an upgrade at the power forward spot as Channing Frye was aging rapidly. With Kevin Love out for at least another month or so, Nance Jr. will see a lot of playing time for the rest of the regular season. He is averaging 8.6 points and 6.8 boards, as he brings a ton of athleticism. Nance Jr. is headed to his second NBA team after playing for just the Lakers.
Cavaliers Projected Starters:
PG - Derrick Rose.
SG - J.R. Smith.
SF - Lebron James.
PF - Larry Nance Jr.
C - Tristan Thompson.
Lakers Projected Starters:
PG - Lonzo Ball.
SG - Kyle Kuzma.
SF - Brandon Ingram.
PF - Julius Randle.
C - Brook Lopez.
Photo Credit: Chicago Sun Times.
