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Cleveland Cavaliers: 15 NBA stars you forgot played for the Cavs

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 4: Ben Wallace #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 4: Ben Wallace #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
(Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

9. Isaiah Thomas (2017-18)

A product of the jaw-dropping trade request from Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas never quite fit with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

When Irving demanded to be traded in the summer of 2017, the Cavaliers didn’t have many options. The Boston Celtics took full advantage of their desperation, offering up a collection of players and a future draft pick for Irving.

The two highlights of this trade for Cleveland were Thomas and a 2018 first-round pick that went on to be used to select Collin Sexton.

Thomas seemed like a potential home run at first and the perfect replacement for Irving. The undersized guard had a historically great year with the Celtics the previous season, averaging 28.9 points and leading the Celtics to the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Unfortunately, the hip injury that Thomas suffered in the postseason that year would prove to be more impactful than the Cavaliers had thought. It became clear very early on that Thomas may never return to the player he once was.

Because of this, the Cavaliers acted quickly by trading Thomas after only 15 games after he returned from injury in January. Since then, Thomas has yet to find a longterm home and has been on three separate NBA teams in the last three seasons.

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