Just hours after Isaiah Thomas told reporters that he was "tired of being traded" and wanted to remain in Cleveland, he was traded.
The Cavs sent Thomas (as well as Channing Frye and a first round pick) to the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday in exchange for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.
Not long after the blockbuster trade was announced, Thomas' agent, Aaron Goodwin, reportedly texted ESPN's Rachel Nichols that his client has no interest in coming off the bench for the Lakers and would rather seek a buyout if asked to do so. However, after speaking with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, Thomas' agent says the 29-year old point guard is "ecstatic" about the opportunity to play in Los Angeles.
According to USA Today's Sam Amick, Goodwin says,
"Once he spoke to (Lakers president of basketball operations) Magic (Johnson) and (general manager) Rob (Pelinka), he was ecstatic about the opportunity," Goodwin said. "It’s clear that he’ll get a chance to play, and play up-tempo like he has played throughout his career. And that’s all we can ask for. That was our biggest concern."
Thomas played in just 15 games for the Cavs this season after recovering from a hip injury. In those 15 games this season he is averaging 14.7 points and 4.5 assist per night.
He took to twitter last night after the trade was finalized to thank the Cavs organization, tweeting, "It was only 15 games, but still an experience that I’m grateful for," Thomas wrote. "Thank you to the Cleveland Cavaliers organization for granting me the opportunity to rock the wine and gold this season. God bless and see you on the other side."
