The Celtics are making moves to get better as the NBA trade deadline nears, while the Cavaliers are only dealing with turmoil and injury.
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However, according to Cleveland.com , the Cavs are putting two valuable assets on the table — J.R. Smith and Brooklyn’s first-round pick in 2018 — to entice other teams to make a deal.
Smith has struggled this season averaging just just 7.8 points per game on 37.8 percent shooting. He’s making $13.7 million this season, $14.7 million in 2018-19 and has a $15.7 million salary ($3.9 million guaranteed) for 2019-20.
Smith’s diminishing skill set seems to have run its course in Cleveland. Maybe he would benefit from a change in scenery — possibly Los Angles in exchange for DeAndre Jordan or Phoenix in return for Tyson Chandler — as the Cavs need help on the boards with Kevin Love out eight weeks.
Cleveland.com also notes the Cavs are willing to deal their cherished rights to Brooklyn’s first-round pick in this year’s draft, but only for the right player.
Jordan doesn’t fit that bill as he’s set for free agency after this season. However, the report suggests this pick would be in play if Cleveland is offered a younger player with multiple years of team control.