2018 NBA Trade Deadline: 6 takeaways from a wild deadline day

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 18: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers pulls up for a shot against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena on January 18, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 03: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores between Josh Huestis #34 and Terrance Ferguson #23 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during a 133-96 Thunder win at Staples Center on January 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Lakers open two max slots

I wish I could make this up, but I can’t.

The Los Angeles Lakers traded Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and a first-round pick. This was clearly a play with the summer in mind made by the Lakers.

Ironically, the Cavs helped the Lakers clear enough cap space for two max slots this summer. In other words, they might’ve unintentionally opened the door for both LeBron James and Paul George – or any other max player – to sign with the Lakers this summer.

Sometimes the jokes do write themselves.

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