The Cleveland Cavaliers went through a major overhaul on Thursday, trading away a former MVP and some former All-Stars.
Relax, LeBron James is still in Cleveland ... for now. But Dwyane Wade, Isaiah Thomas and Derrick Rose are not.
Here's a breakdown of the three deals pulled off right before the NBA trade deadline. The Cavs sent Thomas, Channing Frye and a first round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, Cleveland gets Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.
Right after news of that trade broke, ESPN reported Cleveland pulled off a three-team deal with Utah and Sacramento. The Cavs acquired Rodney Hood and George Hill. Cleveland gave up Rose, Iman Shumpert and Jae Crowder, along with a future draft pick.
Finally, Wade is going back to the Miami Heat, according to ESPN. Wade's playing time would have been significantly cut in Cleveland. It lets him finish his hall of fame career in Miami.
So, if you're still following along, Cleveland traded away six players and brought in four all before Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Both Crowder and Thomas spend less than a year in a Cavs uniform.
Cleveland is taking on about $28 million in extra money after all these trades. It's also no guarantee LeBron stays with the Cavs next season since his contract is up this summer. But the Cavs get younger and more athletic immediately, which could help this struggling team reach the NBA finals for the fourth straight year.
