The Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be on the verge of a full-on overhaul, and J.R. Smith wants to jump ship before things potentially get any uglier.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported the fairly surprising development on Thursday morning.
“Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard JR Smith said he is hoping for a trade.
“Smith entered this season in a precarious spot, with the front office telling him playing time would be sporadic. Smith played four total minutes in the first three games before head coach Tyronn Lue — fired Sunday morning — put him back in the rotation for the fourth and fifth games of the season.”
Fedor went on to explain that earlier this season, Cavs general manager Koby Altman gave Smith the option of taking leave while he remained out of the rotation. While Smith initially expressed interest in remaining a veteran voice of leadership in the locker room, it seems his interests and desires have since changed.
It’s not a huge surprise why. So far this season Smith is averaging just 12.0 minutes per game, and has been a healthy scratch in three of the Cavs’ seven total matchups.
It seems the lovable guard’s time in Cleveland may be coming to an end. Whether or not there is a viable trade market for the 14-year veteran remains to be seen.
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