King James Gospel
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4 reasons the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade JR Smith

By Nathan Beighle

Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers J.R. Smith (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 15: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors holdst the ball against JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 15, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 15: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors holdst the ball against JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 15, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Reason No. 1: A loaded backcourt

The Cleveland Cavaliers have, whether on purpose or not, a loaded, competition-filled backcourt. With the recent signing of David Nwaba along with drafting point guard Collin Sexton, several players will be placed ahead of Smith this upcoming season.

Let’s take a look at the Cavs depth chart as far as guards go:

If Smith can figure out a way to sneak his way into a permanent second unit role, then maybe the Cavs could use him consistently. However, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, the Cavs would be open to trading Smith.

Smith’s three-and-a-half years in Cleveland have been an absolute rollercoaster. He’s had huge game-changing performances during the NBA Finals yet also had some of the worst slumps of his career in Cleveland.

He’s past his prime, and with several up-and-coming role players, it’ll be difficult for coach Lue to justify playing Smith over a player like Clarkson. Even Korver puts out more of a contribution in his minutes than Smith, making it harder for Smith to get minutes.

The Cavs have two loaded guards spots, and Smith might just not make the cut.