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Cleveland Cavaliers: Ranking the 5 most likely Cavs to be traded in 2018-2019

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, CA – JUN 8: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, CA – JUN 8: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals won 108-85 by the Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena on June 6, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

JR Smith

The Cleveland Cavaliers signed JR Smith to an egregious contract following their 2016 NBA Finals comeback. Now, they’re in a position where they wouldn’t mind shipping his contract elsewhere.

Smith scored 8.3 points per game last season, the second lowest of his career. The two-guard that has been used primarily as a spot-up shooter will have a different role this season, a role that could easily get him traded if he finds a way to excel.

While not exactly sure where Smith’s minutes will come from, the seasoned veteran is bound to either start or be part of a dynamic second unit. Although this season, he won’t get the privilege of receiving spot-on passes from LeBron James, possibly limiting his effectiveness.

Smith will be set to make $15.4 during the 2019-2020 season, so he’d most likely be coupled with additional assets for another player-friendly contract such as Ryan Anderson‘s or Luol Deng‘s plus a top-notch player or pick.

Wherever Smith is headed, his impact won’t make them too much closer to being champions. However, if you have Anderson or Deng’s contract just sitting idle, you might as well get some production from the wasted funds.

For that reason, Smith comes in at No. 5 on our list.