Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19

2. J.R. Smith

It seems like years have passed since J.R. Smith was initially placed on the trade block. The Cavaliers have been desperately searching for a team naive enough to take on the erratic, streaky shooter and his gaudy contract.

With the franchise’s sights set on the future, they may be more willing than ever to make a deal happen. Unfortunately for Cleveland, that could mean throwing in extra pieces (like Nance) to entice a team into taking on the eccentric Smith and the $30 million left on his deal.

However, despite his unorthodox approach to the game of basketball, Smith can provide value. When he’s on top of his game, he’s one of the best scorers in the business. The problem is figuring out when he’s going to light it up, and when he’s going to brick every shot he chucks up. Plus, having him on the roster leaves you susceptible to things like this:

Either way, there are too many mouths to feed in the Cleveland backcourt. Between Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, George Hill and David Nwaba (and Rodney Hood if he re-signs), the minutes are going to be spread thin. Finding room for Smith in that equation isn’t going to be a task the Cavaliers coaching staff will want to tackle.

It’s been a good run for Smith in Cleveland. With James gone, though, it’s appearing his time with the club could also be up. That is, if anyone is willing to pull the trigger on acquiring him.