Former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson recently shared a humorous story about how LeBron James played an indirect role in ending his tenure with the franchise to make room for Dwyane Wade ahead of the 2017-18 NBA season.
Jefferson recounted the moment during a recent episode of The Richard Show featuring former teammate J.R. Smith as the pair reflected on the 10-year anniversary of Cleveland’s 2016 NBA championship team.
“When I got traded or when Bron waived me…” Jefferson said before both he and Smith laughed.
Jefferson then explained how Wade’s arrival created a roster crunch for the Cavaliers.
“Look, it was between one of his favorite teammates and one of his best friends. When D-Wade got bought out and he came, I’m looking around like there’s a roster problem here. And they’re like, ‘yeah Richard, we know,’” Jefferson said while laughing.
Richard Jefferson on how LeBron got him waived so the Cavs could get Wade
“It was between one of his favorite teammates and one of his best friends…I’m like, there’s a roster problem here. And they’re like, “Yeah Richard, we know.”
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The Cavaliers acquired Jefferson in 2015, and he quickly became a key veteran presence during one of the most successful stretches in franchise history. He appeared in all seven games of the 2016 NBA Finals and helped Cleveland overcome a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to secure the organization’s first NBA championship.
Dwyane Wade’s arrival ultimately cost Richard Jefferson his Cavaliers roster spot
lebron james, dwyane wade
Before the 2017-18 season, Wade negotiated a buyout with the Chicago Bulls and joined the Cavaliers to reunite with James. The move brought together two longtime friends and former Miami Heat teammates, but it also created a roster dilemma for Cleveland.
Jefferson was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in August 2017 along with Kay Felder, cash considerations and draft compensation. Atlanta subsequently waived Jefferson, helping clear salary and roster space ahead of Wade’s arrival.
The reunion between James and Wade ultimately proved brief. Wade appeared in 46 games for Cleveland before the Cavaliers traded him back to the Miami Heat at the 2018 trade deadline.
Despite the midseason roster changes, Cleveland still reached the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive year. James led the Cavaliers through victories over the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics before the team fell to the Golden State Warriors in four games.
Nearly a decade later, Jefferson’s story offered a lighthearted look at the business side of the NBA and the difficult roster decisions that often accompany championship pursuits.