The Cleveland Cavaliers have an interesting mix of young talent and veterans. With the team having zero shot at an NBA Finals appearance it may be best to move a couple of the beloved veterans on their roster. J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver.
While looking at the Cavaliers roster there are a lot of players at the shooting guard and small forward positions. In addition to the aforementioned Smith and Korver there is Cedi Osman, David Nwaba and Jordan Clarkson. Osman is a player who appears to have a bright future ahead of him and could breakout as soon as this coming season. For Osman to reach his full potential he will need a lot of play time. The only problem is that currently Korver will need play time as well. While Korver is still a productive player and can help a team in the short term, Cleveland would be wise to operate in more of a long term model.
Like Korver, Smith has short term value. As an above average but streaky three-point shooter Smith can be an asset to a contending team off the bench. In short spurts Smith can be incredibly effective and can make jaw dropping shots that impress players and fans alike. The problem is that Cleveland has an excess of players at the shooting and point guard positions.
Why bring up the point guard position?
The reason why point guard is brought up is due to the fact that modern NBA relies on versatility and players who are able to play both positions in an instant. Along with Smith, Nwaba and Clarkson Cleveland has George Hill and Collin Sexton. If the Cavaliers were to move Smith it would allow for Clarkson, Nwaba and Sexton to get playing time. Clarkson and Nwaba may not be all that valuable in the grand scheme of things but if the team is going to lose it is better to do it with younger, less expensive players. Smith is owed just over $14.7 million this season and Korver will make just over $7.5 million. Moving them now will allow the team to mold the construction of the roster for the long haul.
The Whole Rodney Hood Situation
Cleveland extended a qualifying offer to Hood which remains unsigned. No other teams have shown interest in Hood which essentially means the Cavaliers are his only option. If Hood signs his offer that is just another guard to throw into the mix of players in need of play time. In either scenario with or without Smith and Korver, it is best for Hood to have a large role for Cleveland this season.
Hood endured a disappointing stint in Cleveland last season which could be why he is hesitant to sign his offer. Hood’s overall play was fairly lackluster and did not appear to really gel with the Cavaliers. Part of this could be due to the large amount of players at the shooting guard and small forward positions. While LeBron James and Jeff Green are gone, there are still a few too many players at those positions on the roster as currently constructed.
It is not about skill, it is about rebuilding the team after LeBron James’ second departure
Smith and Korver are still valuable players in the NBA. Their value may be near the highest it has ever been if used correctly in today’s NBA. The premium that has been placed on the three ball would make Smith and Korver very valuable to a contender in need of a shooter off the bench. The return for either player may not be all that great but in the grand scheme of things it may be better to move them sooner rather than later.
After James left Cleveland for the second time moving on from expensive veterans who have a limited skill set is a wise decision. Three-point specialists are usually the first types of players that teams will move. Teams are always looking for shooters and Korver and Smith could be targeted in trade talks.
Removing Smith and Korver from the rotation would allow other players to step up and make an impact. It would also allow Cleveland to properly evaluate the other talent they have on the roster in a larger sample size.
Will the Cavaliers actually move Korver and Smith?
This is tough to tell. Cleveland seems to believe they are going to go for it this season. The only problem is that if everything went their way their ceiling is a low playoff seed. The reality is that they will run into some bumps in the road and have to overcome them.
The other issue is that Korver and Smith are both under contract until after the 2019-20 season. Players under contract for another year are not as desirable as guys coming off the books at the end of the year in the mid-season trade market.
If things go south for the Cavaliers quickly this season Dan Gilbert should give Koby Altman the all clear to trade away Smith and Korver. Their skill set would be extremely attractive to contenders and could help round out their rosters for their playoff run.
If Smith and Korver are moved it is best to appreciate them for their time in a Cavaliers uniform. Even though Smith’s most memorable moments were when he was without a shirt for an undetermined period of time.
