King James Gospel
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Cleveland Cavaliers: Two players that need to be traded

By Tony Pesta

TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 3: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 3: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 11: Tristan Thompson. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 11: Tristan Thompson. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Tristan Thompson

The first Cavalier that has to go is Tristan Thompson. Thompson no longer serves any purpose on this roster.

Although he’s still a young prospect at 27-years-old, Thompson’s potential has likely been maxed out. It is hard to see a future where Thompson is anything more than an above average rebounder. He is limited on offense and his defense has never been anything to brag about.

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Furthermore, his $17 million contract is more than enough to want him off of this team. Paying Thompson this ridiculous amount of money will only make it more difficult for the Cavaliers to rebuild.

However, this contract will make it a challenge to find a suitable trading partner for Thompson.

With all this being said, Thompson can still be traded. There are a number of teams that could potentially be interested in Thompson.

Perhaps his hometown Toronto Raptors will be willing to trade for him. The Raptors have been looking to get younger and player such as Thompson not only provides that youth but also strengthens their already deep bench.

Other potential landing spots for Thompson would be the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks and the Brooklyn Nets. These are all franchises that have been desperate to make moves and improve their team. The Cavaliers could target these teams and offer Thompson in return for a young asset or veteran player.

Adding a veteran player could be beneficial to Cleveland as he would act as a mentor to our developing prospects.