The Cleveland Cavaliers are having a pretty exciting 2017-18 campaign so far. After a slow start to the season, as they managed to win just five of their first 12 games, the Cavaliers are currently third in the East with a 24-11 record. They are just one game in the loss column behind the first-place Boston Celtics, and it seems the Cavaliers will eventually grab that number one spot in the Eastern Conference. Their recent performances are even more impressive if we take a look at the injuries the Cavaliers have dealt with the entire season.
Thomas yet to make his debut for the Cavaliers
Some of the key Cavs' players have dealt with injuries this season, including Derrick Rose, Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson. But the one player they are looking forward the most to see back on the court is Isaiah Thomas. The Cavs acquired Thomas this past summer via trade from the Boston Celtics, but the 28-year-old point guard hasn't played a single game this season for his new team. Thomas suffered a hip injury earlier this year, which caused him to miss all of Cleveland's 35 games this season. The 5-foot-9 All-Star averaged a career-high 28.9 points per game last season with the Celtics, and the Cavaliers are hoping he can have the same success this season in Cleveland.
Thomas is a proven scorer in the NBA, and he will be a difference-maker for the Cavaliers as well. But still, even though Isaiah has shown over the past couple of years that he shouldn't be written off and doubted, there are those who think that the Cavaliers don't really need him that much.
What if I were to tell you that the Cavs have made Isaiah Thomas available in trade talks?
— Dan Lifshatz (@DanLifshatz) 27. prosinca 2017.
Thomas for DeAndre Jordan a good deal for the Cavs?
The Cavaliers are currently ranked third in the NBA in points per game, and it seems that scoring is not their biggest issue. In fact, their defense could be their biggest problem as the Cavs are lacking rim-protection and defensive presence in the paint.
There have been many rumors about Cleveland potentially acquiring DeAndre Jordan from the Los Angeles Clippers this season, as he could be the solution for their defensive issues. The Clippers have made it clear that they would be open to trading Jordan, for the right price.
Bryan Kalbrosky of the Hoopshype.com believes that the Cavaliers should offer Isaiah Thomas to the Clippers for DeAndre Jordan. While this may sound unrealistic and as a bad deal for the Cavaliers at first, it could really make sense for both sides. Thomas has one year remaining on his current contract with the Cavaliers, and there are question marks about his health and his production this season. We don't know how he will affect the Cavaliers and how he would fit in their style of play, and also let's not forget that he will be seeking a big pay-day at the end of the season.
Jordan, on the other hand, could be the perfect fit for the Cavaliers both offensively and defensively. The 6-foot-11 center is averaging 11.1 points, 15.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game with the Clippers this season.
No question that this would be an interesting scenario, but no official deal has been made yet. Stay tuned!
