4 reasons the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade JR Smith

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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 15: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers protests a call during the game against the Golden State Warriors 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. 2: Create more cap space

If Smith gets traded, the likely deal would include Cleveland taking back an unwanted contract and a pick, but if that’s the deal, is it worth it? If, instead of creating cap space, it limits the Cavs cap space, should they still pursue a trade?

Smith is set to make $14.7 million this upcoming season and $15.6 million the year after. There’s only a handful of players who have a more player-friendly contract than Smith.

That said, as King James Gospel writer Duane Rohrbacher pointed out, a trade to Houston for Anderson and a pick in return is an ideal deal all around. Houston needs rid of Ryan Anderson and plans to capitalize on their short-lived championship window.

LA could also get in on the JR Smith, and could you imagine Smith living it up in Southern Cal?

Although LeBron James might’ve dashed to Los Angeles to get away from JR Smith after his Game 1 mishap, the Lakers also have a contract they need of their books. Luol Deng, a pick, and some other assets would be a fair trade as well.

Basically, while Smith could create cap space for Cleveland if traded, it’s more than likely that they limit their cap space while bringing back a draft pick. Either way, trading Smith away would bring something of value to Cleveland, and keeping him on their bench does nothing.

I know which I’d prefer.