4 reasons the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade JR Smith

Reason No. 3: He can be useful elsewhere

JR Smith has an elite shooting ability. If it isn’t used, his last few meaningful seasons could be wasted.

Shooting-wise, Smith was not great last season, but per several posts from top-notch NBA trainer Chris Brickley, Smith has been in the gym working on every aspect of his game this offseason. Smith is clearly determined to become the player he used to be.

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With the proper amount of timely outbursts of shooting, Smith might be able to raise his trade value enough to be a coveted player. Albeit he’d still only be worth a player-friendly contract and a pick, the Cavs might have some leverage if Smith can return to his old self.

The only teams that would unload a bad contract, instead of waiting it out, would be a title contender. It limits Smith’s value. Houston and Los Angeles are really the only two places he’d be of use. If his deal was expiring, you could possibly include Philadelphia in that conversation.

Last season, the Rockets were the league’s second-most dynamic offense, only trailing the Warriors. The Rockets were so successful because of their penetration and shooting. Losing Ariza is a blow to them, and Smith would be the perfect player to give them back that edge.

Smith won’t be happy playing 15 minutes per game on a non-title contender. Let’s deal him to Houston and get this trade over and done with.

If those three reasons aren’t enough, here’s a fourth.