Report: Cavs Have Discussed Trading J.R. Smith for Kent Bazemore With Hawks

Published by

Omar Guerrero

7 years ago

Reports have come out recently that fans could see J.R. Smith’s time with the Cleveland Cavaliers come to an end during the 2019 NBA Draft.

Smith’s expiring contract is quite enticing to a number of teams who want to go under the salary cap and would also like to swap picks with the Cavaliers.

According to a Thursday report, one scenario that has been discussed is a trade with the Atlanta Hawks including veteran Kent Bazemore.

The Hawks could waive Smith for a cap-friendly $3.8 million before the month ends or they could stretch it across three years.

Bazemore also has an expiring contract like Smith’s, but he could become a part of the Cavs rotation next season.

If this trade happens, expect the two teams to swap draft picks as well, with the Cavs receiving the Hawks’ No. 8 and No. 10 overall picks, and Cleveland’s No. 5 pick in the first round going to Atlanta.

Omar Guerrero

Omar is a former staff writer with the King James Gospel. He is a Cavaliers fan who has followed the team from the Mark Price-led 1980s team to the LeBron era. Omar applauded the King's return to the Land and celebrated the team's first championship in 2016. He has pledged to defend the Land every chance he gets.