When the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Isaiah Thomas from the Cleveland Cavaliers just prior to the NBA Trade Deadline in February, it was for the clear purpose of taking back an expiring contract while simultaneously shedding longterm salary for the upcoming free agency period.
Thomas, who finished third in MVP voting just one season ago with the Boston Celtics, didn’t live up to expectations with the Cavaliers and now found himself with his third organization in less than a year.
Part of Thomas’ struggles with the Cavaliers was attributed to a torn labrum suffered last March as a member of the Celtics.