As the Feb. 8 trade deadline comes to a close, it was fairly quiet as teams were reportedly ‘easing out' to focus on the buyout market — until the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers were in serious discussions.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers are trading Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers:
Lakers sending Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance to the Cavaliers, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
In exchange, the Lakers will receive Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and Cleveland's 2018 first round draft pick:
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
Source: The Cavaliers 2018 first-round pick is protected.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
At first glance, this trade makes sense for both teams. As the Lakers are looking to create the necessary cap space for two max contract players, Thomas and Frye's contracts are both expiring and Los Angeles is projected to have $46.9 million this upcoming free agency ($69 million if they do not re-sign Julius Randle), according to Bobby Marks of ESPN.
As for the Cavaliers who are the oldest team in the league, they have added two young prospects who should provide some much-needed energy. While Cleveland was constantly linked with DeAndre Jordan and George Hill, it remains to be seen if they will make another move by the trade deadline at 12:00 PM PST.
The Lakers and Cavaliers may very well be on a collision course as LeBron James is set to become an unrestricted free agent. As there have been conflicting reports about James' future in Cleveland, Los Angeles has been linked with him and Paul George.
Follow Us
Subscribe