Three times in his seven NBA seasons, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thomas has been dealt via a trade. One of those transactions came at the trade deadline two years ago when he was sent to the Boston Celtics. As the 2018 deadline nears, Thomas isn’t looking for career trade No. 4.
His name has not come up in particular deals the last few days or weeks, but as Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reports, there is growing thinking that Thomas may not be a good fit with the Cavs. Thomas recently spoke out about the state of team chemistry and in-game adjustments after a Tuesday loss to the Orlando Magic, statements that some questioned based on how new he is to the team.
After last night’s thrilling 140-138 OT win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thomas said he wants to stick with the Cavs:
“I’m tired of being traded,” Thomas said, after the Cavs stunned Minnesota, 140-138 in overtime. “That’s not a good thing, but, I just want to be where I’m wanted. I like it here. It hasn’t been as planned, but I definitely want to be here. We definitely have a real chance to win an NBA championship and I want to be a part of that.”
Thomas’ name hasn’t come up in any specific trade rumors. Per sources, the Cavs have shopped J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert, Tristan Thompson, and Channing Frye over the past several days.
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As Thomas mentioned, it hasn’t gone as planned.
Thomas is averaging 14.7 points per game, but is shooting career worsts from the field (.361 shooting percentage ) and 3-point range (.253). He has no burst, hasn’t been able to get back the quickness that allowed him to dart through defenses when he was scoring 28.9 points per game for the Celtics last season.
Thomas’ defense, which never has been good, has torn to shreds thet silly string that was holding the Cavs’ already poor defense together.
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