Smith wants $15+M a year to stay with Cavs; not a lock to return - Love trade?

[jpotter33]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2646524-jr-smith-latest-news-rumors-speculation-on-cavaliers-sgs-future

It looks like Smith might not be a lock to return to Cleveland. Reports are saying that he's looking for a contract in the $15M a year range, which is hard to see the Cavs wanting to pay him for that much for long-term.

So this is a situation to watch, because a Love trade could become very real at that point. Something like Bradley, KO, other salary filler, and some lesser picks could be on the table, and it would honestly make sense for both sides.

[Ogaju]

why would that make sense for Celtics?

[hodgy03038]

So the Cavs would give up Kevin Love to be able to pay the "punk" JR Smith? I don't think so.

[saltlover]

I don't see much happening here.  LeBron hasn't signed his deal yet for a reason.  Smith will get his deal.  My guess is 4 years, a shade under $56 million, which would be $12.5 million this year with max raises.

[jpotter33]

So the Cavs would give up Kevin Love to be able to pay the "punk" JR Smith? I don't think so.

Perhaps you should read the post again...

[alley oop]

I agree he'll be paid. But also, Bradley should never be traded to a LJ team.

[jpotter33]

I don't see much happening here.  LeBron hasn't signed his deal yet for a reason.  Smith will get his deal.  My guess is 4 years, a shade under $56 million, which would be $12.5 million this year with max raises.

Eh, Smith is going to be 31 before the start of the season, and he's not a very good fit next to Kyrie anyways. With the cap looking smaller than expected in the coming years, I'm struggling to see why they'd invest so much in a player like Smith.

I still think they ultimately want to move Love, and with the increase in GS's perimeter offense, they certainly need an upgrade in their perimeter D. If Bradley truly is on the table for a Love trade, which seems like a fairly safe bet, then something like a Bradley, KO, JJ, and Clips pick for Love trade makes too much sense for both sides not to consider. Bradley is much younger and a much better two-way player for next to Kyrie, and both KO and JJ are the type of stretch bigs that they want, with JJ being a perfect fit with his defensive versatility. It also clears up significant cap space for them next year while getting Bradley on a cost-controlled deal.

[Beat LA]

More than $15 million a year ?  For what?  Is he that out of shirts , lol ?

[saltlover]

I don't see much happening here.  LeBron hasn't signed his deal yet for a reason.  Smith will get his deal.  My guess is 4 years, a shade under $56 million, which would be $12.5 million this year with max raises.

Eh, Smith is going to be 31 before the start of the season, and he's not a very good fit next to Kyrie anyways. With the cap looking smaller than expected in the coming years, I'm struggling to see why they'd invest so much in a player like Smith.

I still think they ultimately want to move Love, and with the increase in GS's perimeter offense, they certainly need an upgrade in their perimeter D. If Bradley truly is on the table for a Love trade, which seems like a fairly safe bet, then something like a Bradley, KO, JJ, and Clips pick for Love trade makes too much sense for both sides not to consider. Bradley is much younger and a much better two-way player for next to Kyrie, and both KO and JJ are the type of stretch bigs that they want, with JJ being a perfect fit with his defensive versatility. It also clears up significant cap space for them next year while getting Bradley on a cost-controlled deal.

If the LeBron agency wasn't representing Smith, I'd think there might be something.  But LeBron really likes spending Dan Gilbert's money, and Smith will get paid.

[RJ87]

Is Lebron his leverage? Because I can't imagine another team throwing that kind of money at him on more that a 1 or 2 year deal.

[hodgy03038]

Just read this....it makes me puke to think it happens......


Tristan Thompson could be the odd man out if the Cleveland Cavaliers pursue a blockbuster trade for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins.


In the aftermath of Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors, the Cavs find themselves in the heat of trade talks for a potential deal that would acquire Cousins, one of the most dominant big men in the league.

 




 
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Rumors have it that Kevin Love is the expendable piece to any possible trade after the All-Star power forward struggled to fit in the Cavs' system. But according to Ryan Rosko of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Cavs should give up Tristan Thompson instead.


"Let's say hypothetically the Cleveland Cavaliers made a trade for him. Who should they give up and who would they give up are two different questions. To acquire Cousins, Cleveland would have to (likely) give up Love as the headliner. However, they should give up Thompson," Rosko wrote.


"Love can score, rebound, and spread the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers. We finally saw Thompson play at a good level last season (specifically in the playoffs and NBA Finals), but all Thompson can do is rebound."


Thompson has been an essential piece of Cleveland's success in the past two seasons, especially during the playoffs and NBA Finals against the Warriors. Thompson, who averaged 7.8 points and 9.0 rebounds a game for the Cavs last season, has been a very reliable backup to Love and proven at times he can take over a starting role with the team.


Thompson would certainly earn the lead role in the King's frontcourt rotation, but there is little sense acquiring him from the Cavs. While there is no doubt he could bring energy to the Kings and crash the offensive boards, Thompson has limited offensive skills to fill in for Cousins.


One trade scenario that works in ESPN's trade machine is the Kings getting Love and Thompson for Cousins and Rudy Gay, who is also on the trading block after requesting Sacramento for a trade.


By acquiring Love, the Kings get a prolific scorer at the four spot who could complement the team's other big men. Playing alongside Thompson would cover up Love's lack of defense, forming an "ice and fire" frontcourt combination.


The Cavs, on the other hand, would instantly boost their lineup by acquiring both Cousins and Gay. With LeBron James expected to remain with the Cavs, the team could create a formidable lineup that can challenge the Warriors' super-team.


It is uncertain whether the Kings truly intend to deal Cousins and Gay, but if the rebuilding franchise wishes to move on from the often disgruntled center and their versatile forward, they might as well consider trading him for Love and Thompson.


Read more: http://en.yibada.com/articles/142321/20160717/nba-trade-rumors-tristan-thompson-kevin-love-piece-demarcus-cousins.htm#ixzz4EiOKYr7p

[alley oop]

I just know this, the Warriors will sweep the current Cavs in the finals without league help. And James probably knows it.

[BitterJim]

Just read this....it makes me puke to think it happens......


Tristan Thompson could be the odd man out if the Cleveland Cavaliers pursue a blockbuster trade for Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins.


In the aftermath of Kevin Durant joining the Golden State Warriors, the Cavs find themselves in the heat of trade talks for a potential deal that would acquire Cousins, one of the most dominant big men in the league.

 




 
Like Us on Facebook


Rumors have it that Kevin Love is the expendable piece to any possible trade after the All-Star power forward struggled to fit in the Cavs' system. But according to Ryan Rosko of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Cavs should give up Tristan Thompson instead.


"Let's say hypothetically the Cleveland Cavaliers made a trade for him. Who should they give up and who would they give up are two different questions. To acquire Cousins, Cleveland would have to (likely) give up Love as the headliner. However, they should give up Thompson," Rosko wrote.


"Love can score, rebound, and spread the court for the Cleveland Cavaliers. We finally saw Thompson play at a good level last season (specifically in the playoffs and NBA Finals), but all Thompson can do is rebound."


Thompson has been an essential piece of Cleveland's success in the past two seasons, especially during the playoffs and NBA Finals against the Warriors. Thompson, who averaged 7.8 points and 9.0 rebounds a game for the Cavs last season, has been a very reliable backup to Love and proven at times he can take over a starting role with the team.


Thompson would certainly earn the lead role in the King's frontcourt rotation, but there is little sense acquiring him from the Cavs. While there is no doubt he could bring energy to the Kings and crash the offensive boards, Thompson has limited offensive skills to fill in for Cousins.


One trade scenario that works in ESPN's trade machine is the Kings getting Love and Thompson for Cousins and Rudy Gay, who is also on the trading block after requesting Sacramento for a trade.


By acquiring Love, the Kings get a prolific scorer at the four spot who could complement the team's other big men. Playing alongside Thompson would cover up Love's lack of defense, forming an "ice and fire" frontcourt combination.


The Cavs, on the other hand, would instantly boost their lineup by acquiring both Cousins and Gay. With LeBron James expected to remain with the Cavs, the team could create a formidable lineup that can challenge the Warriors' super-team.


It is uncertain whether the Kings truly intend to deal Cousins and Gay, but if the rebuilding franchise wishes to move on from the often disgruntled center and their versatile forward, they might as well consider trading him for Love and Thompson.


Read more: http://en.yibada.com/articles/142321/20160717/nba-trade-rumors-tristan-thompson-kevin-love-piece-demarcus-cousins.htm#ixzz4EiOKYr7p

Why would the Kings give up the best and 3rd best players in the deal without getting any picks back? Not to mention the fact that they said "one trade scenario that works in ESPN's trade machine" which is pretty pathetic. And they think TT is expendable? He's been a huge part of them beating GSW, and the changes to the hack-a-shaq rules just makes it even easier for him.

Serious question, though, do people go out of their way to look for unreliable sources of information? This is even worse than a rumor (I'd argue it isn't even speculation), and this source is known to be full of it. Why even read their stuff, never mind seek it out?

[hodgy03038]

I didn't seek this info out - I was reading Google News and it was a story that caught my eye. But.......you don't think that Love & Thompson have any value to Sacramento versus a draft pick?

[BitterJim]

I didn't seek this info out - I was reading Google News and it was a story that caught my eye. But.......you don't think that Love & Thompson have any value to Sacramento versus a draft pick?

Well then try to block the websiteam from Google news lol

I could see Love having value to them, but not at the expense of Cousins. Love is a good piece, but he's a clear downgrade and isn't a build-for-the-future move, either. If he gets traded, it will be either for picks (like the ones we have) or young talent (like the 6ers and Lakers have). Thompson is a great piece for a contending team (although the price tag is a little high), but he's just not that useful for a rebuilding team.

If a deal goes down for Cousins (which is unlikely), expect it to be with us, the Lakers, or the 76ers.  I could see the Cavs making a run at Gay, though, especially if they were to trade Love (ex: AB/Gay to Cavs, Love to Celtics, Amir/LAC pick to SAC)