At the 2017-18 NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers traded Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and a 2018 first round draft pick.
Thomas, who is a two-time All-Star player, was dealing with a hip injury that eventually required surgery. Appearing in just 17 games for the Lakers as Lonzo Ball’s backup, he averaged 15.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 26.8 minutes.
When free agency began, there was a scenario where the Lakers could re-sign Thomas on a one-year deal if they struck out in free agency to preserve cap space.