Cavaliers trade all-star guard Isaiah Thomas to Lakers

Michael Grange and Eric Smith touch on the Raptors minor deal, and break down the Cleveland Cavaliers insane trade deadline day, wondering if it's enough to put them back on top in the Eastern Conference.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded all-star point guard Isaiah Thomas to the Los Angeles Lakers in a multi-player deal.

The Cavaliers are also sending Channing Frye and their 2018 protected first-round pick to Los Angeles for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.

Thomas, a two-time all-star, was in just his first season with the Cavaliers after being traded to Cleveland in August as part of the Kyrie Irving blockbuster. A combination of injuries and a lesser role on a struggling Cleveland team saw Thomas take a major dip in production from the 28.9 points he averaged with the Boston Celtics last season to the 14.7 he’s putting up this season.

The 29-year-old’s contract is set to expire at season’s end. He’s only making $6.2 million right now and will be in line for a hefty raise, so Cleveland’s likely moving him for cap reasons, in addition to his ineffective play.

The Lakers will be Thomas’ fifth NBA team over his seven-season career.

Frye joins the Lakers as a veteran sharpshooter averaging 4.8 points this season on 33.3 per cent from deep.

Clarkson and Nance Jr. are both 25 years old and have shown promise in their young careers. Clarkson is averaging 14.5 points on 44.8 per cent shooting while Nance Jr. is putting up 8.6 points and 6.8 rebounds on 60.1 per cent shooting.

Nance Jr. is the son of NBA great Larry Nance. Like his father, he’s an excellent dunker and will participate in this year’s slam dunk competition.

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