Why Kyle Korver will end up as a rental
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded a first-round pick for Kyle Korver back in January. After his Finals performance, Korver might be gone after six months.
On January 7th, the Cavaliers sent Mike Dunleavy, Mo Williams, and a 2019 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Kyle Korver. Korver, one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history, came in to add some team defense and depth. On the surface, Korver’s acquisition looked like a positive replacement for Dunleavy. Even though both shooters are north of 35 years old, the Cavaliers liked Korver.
In thirty-five games for the Cavaliers in the regular season, Korver shot .485% from 3pt range. He scored 10.7 points per game in 24.5 minutes per game. Korver looked like an amazing addition and upgrade over Dunleavy. The Cavs also envisioned giving Korver a Jefferson-like contract. Korver could have been a great option for a two- or three-year contract in the offseason.
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Korver has played in the playoffs 11 times, and the Cavaliers hoped that his experience would translate into a sharp shooter who could offer a spark during games. LeBron was so confident in Korver that he passed him the ball in the corner in one of the most important moments of Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals. In the last four seasons in Atlanta, Korver averaged over 11 points per game and close to 39% from three-point land.
For the Cavaliers in these playoffs, Korver has all but disappeared. Although he is playing 18 minutes per game and is shooting .388% from three, he is only averaging six points.
His defense, especially against the Warriors, has looked bad, as he has never been an on-ball stopper. While the Cavs expected Korver to offer a spark and sharpshooting off the bench, he has instead provided disappointment.
Because the Cavaliers do not need Korver next year, he’s just a luxury, there is just no way the Cavs resign Korver to any contract with significance. The Cavs do not need someone who can shoot .485% from three in the regular season. The Cleveland Cavaliers need people who can compete with the Warriors in the Finals.
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The Cavs will look for a younger, more athletic version of him in the offseason.