The Cleveland Cavaliers made a few major moves to their roster ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday afternoon to shake up their roster.
This included move former All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas and forward Channing Fyre along with a protected 2018 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for guard Jordan Clarkson and forward Larry Nance Jr. According to Bill Oram of the Southern California News Group, the Cavaliers latest addition of having chosen their numbers that appear to be an homage to a former Lakers great.
The two will have an opportunity to immediately make an impact with the Cavaliers are likely key contributors off the bench. Clarkson has developed into a dependable scorer off the bench over his career as he is currently averaging 14.5 points per game on 44.8 percent shooting from the field. He was the leading scoring punch off the Lakers’ bench this season that averaged 42.4 points per game, which is third most in the NBA.
Clarkson has scored in double figures in 36 games as a reserve while ranking second in the league in total bench points (732). He has notched 20 or more points 12 times this season including one 30-point outing. Clarkson could assume a similar role with the Cavaliers as the lead guard off the bench filling the void left by the departure of former All-Star guards Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose.
Meanwhile, Nance Jr. can step in as a versatile big that can play both positions in the frontcourt that will allow for Cleveland to play small-ball lineups when necessary. He has also shown the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor as a strong finisher at the rim behind his athleticism along with being a solid individual defender.
Another added benefit is that both players are set to be under contract for the next two seasons. Clarkson has two more years after this season left on his four-year, $50 million deal. Nance Jr. possesses a $3.4 million qualifying offer for the 2019-20 campaign.
