Report: Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat Have Been Discussing Multiple ‘Large Trade Scenarios’

Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman had been in discussions with several teams for J.R. Smith prior to the 2019 NBA Draft.

None of those trade talks materialized, including reports of a potential deal with the Miami Heat. Perhaps the Heat are now more than willing to listen as the two teams are rumored to be talking once again.

Those “large trade scenarios” could involve Smith, with Miami hoping to land Jimmy Butler when all is said and done. In order for the Heat to acquire Butler, a third team may need to be involved in the form of the Cavaliers. The Heat can clear cap space by trading either Hassan Whiteside or Goran Dragic to the Cavs with Smith as part of the package to be dealt to Miami.

Whiteside picked up the $27.1 million option on his contract for 2019-20, while Dragic did the same with his own contract worth $19.2 million next season. Miami can clear room from its salaries with a deal for Smith whose $15.7 million salary next season is only partially guaranteed, specifically $4.4 million.

It’s unclear how this will benefit the Cavs, however, unless they can somehow pry the talented Josh Richardson or perhaps a couple of first-round draft picks on top of a deal for Whiteside or Dragic.