The Cleveland Cavaliers are almost destined to make moves in hopes to mend what has been an underwhelming season at the heels of trading one of their best players in Kyrie Irving. Among the moves is shedding unnecessary bulky contracts like the ones from center Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith, who general managed Koby Altman has actively seek to trade, according to Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports.
If memory is sharp, LeBron James played part in both deals, audibly asking ownership during interviews to sign them as integral parts of a championship team during the summer of 2016.
Thompson has two years an $36 million remaining in his deal while Smith will make $14.7 million next season with a team-option worth $15.6 million in 2019-20 and $3.8 million in guarantees.
Both players who were re-signed due to the Cavs’ star large influence within the front office and as a treat for bringing Cleveland its first ever NBA championship.
Thompson, Smith, and James are all represented by James’ childhood friend; Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who built the agency thanks to James’ rise to stardom.
The Cavs have also chased L.A. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, though a person with knowledge of that situation said the front office would only offer its own first-rounder, keeping the Brooklyn Nets pick out of the picture.
Shedding Thompson and Smith’s contract will be a hard chip to flip, given that they’re both viewed as overpaid, even in this day and age of massive long-term deals, thanks to the new CBA.
