JR Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers have not been on the same page this season and there have been rumors that the two sides could part ways in the near future. Those rumors took another big leap towards that direction with the news that came out today. It seems that the two sides are no longer interested in trying to maintain a relationship and he may have played his last game with the Cavs.
According to a report from Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, Smith is no longer with the team. The report also states that the Cavaliers are actively seeking for trade partners. Moving Smith appear to be something that they are highly motivated to do at some point in the near future.
JR Smith and the Cleveland Cavaliers have mutually agreed for him to leave the team as both sides work to facilitate a trade, sources told ESPN.
Needless to say, this has brought up some intriguing possibilities. There are quite a few teams that could use a scoring option like Smith coming off of their bench. Some contenders could use a bit more talent and more of a scoring punch in order to compete a little harder in their respective conferences.
Smith has played in 11 game this season with the Cavaliers, averaging 6.7 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 rebounds. He has shot just 34.2 percent from the field overall and has knocked down 30.8 percent of his 3-point attempts.
All of that being said, what teams would be the ideal landing spots for Smith if the Cavaliers are able to trade him?
4. Memphis Grizzlies
One intriguing team could be the Memphis Grizzlies. Mike Conley and Marc Gasol have turned the Grizzlies back into a playoff contender in the Western Conference. At this point in the season, Memphis is 11-5, which them first in the Southwest Division.
Adding a piece like Smith would give the Grizzlies much more scoring off the bench. They don't have terrible depth, but Smith would be a welcome addition. If Memphis can get Smith on a cheap deal, it would certainly help them continue playing at the high level that they have been playing at so far this year.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Next up is the Philadelphia 76ers, who could use more perimeter shooting and more depth as well. Following the Jimmy Butler trade, the 76ers' depth took a bit of a hit. Adding a piece like Smith would help with that, especially come playoff time.
Philadelphia is one of the teams that can compete to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Smith has become used to competing for a title and getting another opportunity with the 76ers would be a good fit for him.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook and Paul George could also use some help in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are a team to keep an eye on when it comes to Smith, as they could use more scorers behind their two stars.
If Smith's asking price is a bit low, the Thunder are going to be a very good suitor for him. He would be able to come in and immediately become a huge piece of the rotation. Smith wouldn't be the piece that makes the Thunder a contender against the Golden State Warriors, but he certainly could help.
Oklahoma City may not be willing to offer more than a second-round pick or a player to help balance salaries for Smith. That being the case, Cleveland likely doesn't want too terribly much either.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
JR Smith may very well be the perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks to help them make an even deeper run at the Eastern Conference playoff race. Milwaukee has been one of the top teams in the conference so far this season and are currently 12-4 on the season. That record has them in first place in the conference.
Milwaukee could use a veteran scorer coming off of their bench. Smith would fit that role and would also give the Bucks more perimeter shooting. If the Bucks were to acquire Smith, it would give them an even better chance to shock the Boston Celtics and 76ers in the playoffs.
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