Isaiah Thomas knows a thing or two about getting traded against his wishes.
Last August, the Celtics blindsided the 2016-17 All-NBA Second Team selection by shipping him to the Cavs.
On Wednesday, the Raptors traded DeMar DeRozan to the Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard.
DeRozan is not happy about this:
Meanwhile, @DeMar_DeRozan not backing off of claim he was lied to by Toronto regarding a potential trade, per source. Extremely upset.— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 18, 2018
So this would explain those DeMar IG posts: "Sources close to DeRozan told ESPN that DeRozan met with Toronto brass in Las Vegas during summer league and was told he would not be traded." https://t.co/Rrhf2UMDbk— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 18, 2018
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One can only assume that the following tweet from Thomas is his reaction to the deal:
Just learn from my story! Loyalty is just a word in this game SMH— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 18, 2018
The concept of "loyalty in the NBA" heated up after Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City for the Warriors.
During the 2017 playoffs, Thomas played through the tragic death of his sister and battled through a hip injury.
He absolutely loved Boston and wanted to finish his career there.
The 29-year old thought he was line for a max deal from the Celtics, and instead he winded up signing for the veteran's minimum this summer with the Nuggets.
Perhaps the NBPA will fight for more "no-trade clauses" in the next CBA...?
Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller