King James Gospel
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Raw Talent or Locker Room Leaders? The Cleveland Cavaliers Need Both.

By Eliana Brown

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Cleveland Cavaliers during the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 8, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 8: Cleveland Cavaliers during the national anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 8, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 6: Richard Jefferson
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 6: Richard Jefferson /

So Long, RJ 

In order to free up space and save $12.8 million in luxury tax, new general manager Koby Altman decided to trade respected veteran, and Road Trippin’s one and only, Richard Jefferson.

The trade happened this past October and was hardly a decision that warranted controversial discussions. Yet for a team as rocky as the Cavs, the loss of Jefferson also represented the loss of a player that helped them win that 2016 title.

Ironically, when Altman praised Jefferson for his commitment to Cleveland, he listed off the same qualities that the current roster seems to be lacking.

(Quote transcribed by ESPN.com)

“RJ embodies all of the things you could want in a veteran player and teammate… His steady leadership, great attitude, dependability and performance helped us win an NBA championship and we are grateful for all of his contributions on the court and within our locker room.”

Retracing these pivotal moments doesn’t answer all of our questions when it comes to understanding the Cavs recent struggles, but it can provide some clarity when looking ahead.

Must Read: CJ McCollum is the Cavs only realistic, season-altering target

With the trade deadline looming, Cleveland’s front office must decide who and what is valuable inside that precious, and fragile, Cavaliers locker room.