NBA Rumors: Cavs hope to trade J.R. Smith during the summer
NBA Rumors: Despite not finding a new home for him this season, the hope is that the Cleveland Cavaliers can trade J.R. Smith during the summer
The last time that J.R. Smith played in a game for the Cleveland Cavaliers was back in mid-November. He has been away from the team and will likely never play for the Cavs again, even though he has one year remaining on his contract.
Though there was whispers that he could be bought out in the coming days, it doesn’t seem like that is a possibility anymore. Instead, the hope is that the Cavs could find a deal for him during the summer – according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon (subscription required).
Smith is no longer in his prime and probably has seen his best playing days pass him by, but there’s no question that he still has the ability to help a roster. Even if the smallest of roles, teams are always in the market for playable depth, and that’s exactly what Smith would offer.
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The big concern is his contract, which will pay him nearly $16 million next season. The real only saving grace is that he will be an expiring contract next season, and some teams view that as an asset – especially if Cleveland is willing to attach an asset to him.
It’s going to be interesting to see what Smith’s market ends up being during the summer (probably at the NBA Draft), but it should be noted that he’s seen a steep drop in production over his last three seasons.
Last year, he averaged eight points on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range on just a shade under 30 minutes per contest.
He could probably play 15-20 minuets per game for a playoff team, brining some playmaking and 3-point shooting to the lineup. I don’t think any team should be asking Smith to fill a starting void, or even a sixth man spot, at this point in his career, but there’s no question he still has some left I the tank.
The Cavs are one team that could be extremely active during the summer, beyond moving Smith. Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are two other players that could be moved at the draft or before the start of next season.
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If Love was healthy at the NBA Trade Deadline, he might’ve been moved this season. Nevertheless, Cleveland may not ready to compete in the East, but there are still moves for them to make during the off-season in order to expedite their rebuild.