In a frenzied NBA trade deadline, Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant reacted to the biggest move of the day, as the Cleveland Cavaliers traded their recently-acquired point guard Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and their own first-round pick for Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson and forward Larry Nance Jr.

“They got better,” Durant said, according to Melissa Rohlin of the San Jose Mercury News. “They made moves they wanted to make, and I'm sure they're going to make it work over there. It's fun for all of the fans and the media to see what's going on with the trade deadline. But for the players, you just try to get through it.”

The Cavs got younger, faster, and more explosive after pulling not just one, but three consecutive trades in hopes to shuffle the deck and go out swinging, shipping out the likes of Thomas, Frye, Iman Shumpert, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, and Dwyane Wade.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is fouled
Charles Barkley sends warning to Thunder after stunning Game 3 lossJedd Pagaduan ·
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) dribbles against Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin (16) in the first half at Frost Bank Center.
Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox reacts to potential major NCAA basketball changeMiguel La Torre ·
Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) dunks the ball
Magic Johnson celebrates Pacers for huge Game 3 winJedd Pagaduan ·
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton protests
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton doesn’t care about ‘big talking heads’ after Game 3 winJedd Pagaduan ·
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the fourth quarter in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks down Thunder’s shooting struggles vs PacersJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the second quarter in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Magic Johnson breaks down Thunder’s Game 3 struggles vs. PacersRohan Brahmbhatt ·

But Durant's thoughts were mainly centered on Thomas and his family after being traded to the Cavs following a season-ending hip injury, and now being traded again past the midway point of the season — forced to pack up his things and his family due to the business that is the NBA at this time of the year.

“You see guys like Isaiah being traded two times in a year. Guys have to get up and move their families. That's what you see as a player,” added Durant. “You've got to get up and go to another city, play for another organization, another team. That's the type of stuff I think about.”

The Cavs certainly made the best decision for their franchise, but Thomas will have to deal not only with a full recovery of his ailments, but yet another move to a different city.