#3: The Cavs will be more than willing to keep accumulating assets
Altman and company understand that this is a long-term rebuild, and that for the Cleveland Cavaliers to at some point become an NBA Finals contender once again, they’ll need to do it over a number of years.
The Cavs did a good job of doing that throughout the 2018-19 season, as they reportedly added seven combined picks 9 (two of which were additional first-rounders, and five of which were additional second-rounders) through trading veterans such as George Hill, Kyle Korver, Rodney Hood and Alec Burks.
Altman would go on to mention that J.R. Smith, who was still considered to be on the roster but has not been actively with the team since November and also has a contract that is only fully guaranteed for $3.87 million for next year, per Spotrac (and which we’ve highlighted often), is a “trade chip” this offseason for Cleveland (h/t Davies).
Altman says #Cavs are always going to be open to adding more draft assets. Acknowledges that J.R. Smith is a trade chip.
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) April 12, 2019
Altman seems really open-minded in regards to roster options in the coming offseason and beyond, and for the Cavs to gradually build themselves back up into being a postseason team, that no-stone-unturned approach is the right one for their 36-year-old GM.
Altman knows to listen to any all offers when it comes to building his team back up for the future, and understands draft assets are huge.
He thanked Gilbert for being more than willing to take on money to accumulate potential assets in the press conference as well, which has helped Cleveland in the past.
You can view Altman’s Friday press conference here (courtesy of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ official Twitter).