Details are emerging regarding the blockbuster trade in the NBA involving the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Cavaliers needed help with injuries and the Knicks needed salary and luxury tax relief so they got the Thunder involved and sent Dion Waiters to Oklahoma while JR Smith and Iman Shumpert pack their bags for Ohio. The deal is both good and bad for everyone involved, but did get the seal of approval from LeBron James.
James has been supportive of Waiters since his arrival back in Cleveland. James stressed wanting to help him develop along with Tristan Thompson. However, the Cavaliers are struggling at the moment in a season of very high expectations and a move had to be made. While LeBron James sits out with knee soreness, the Cavaliers got active in trades, sending Waiters packing, but not before they got the approval of the veteran.
According to Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN, the Cavaliers front office discussed the deal with James prior to pulling the trigger, specifically checking his willingness to play alongside Smith and Shumpert. While some might raise eyebrows over this move, it is necessary. James is the face of the franchise and can easily opt out of his contract at the end of the year and head elsewhere. It is important for the Cavaliers to keep him happy and make sure the roster is stacked to his liking.
Shumpert and Smith fill needs for the Cavaliers. Both players will bolster a struggling bench unit. Smith can be a sharp shooter when he is focused while Shumpert will help with defense when he gets healthy after suffering a dislocated shoulder. The next move will be to acquire size to the roster which could come in the form of either Tmofey Mozgov or Samuel Dalembert.
This trade was in the works for most of Monday while the specific players and teams involved were being worked out. The Thunder came close to sending free-agent-to-be Reggie Jackson to New York while the Los Angeles Lakers tried to make a play for Waiters. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com, the Lakers were ready to offer Robert Sacre to the Cavaliers, a seven-footer who is averaging 14.3 minutes per game. While the Cavaliers need size, Shumpert is the more ideal prospect to acquire.
