Cleveland Cavaliers Get Huge Boost by Trading for J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert
By Michael Terrill
@MichaelTerrill
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The Cleveland Cavaliers made a blockbuster trade Monday night that will give them two solid players to help them improve their worth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Cleveland will send Dion Waiters to the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Cavaliers will receive guards Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith from the New York Knicks in an attempt for the franchise to dump salary. The Thunder will reportedly have to give up additional players and a future protected first-round draft pick to the Cavaliers.
As much as people believe Smith and Shumpert can be locker room parasites and nuances on the court, there is no denying both players can be very productive when properly motivated. Being on a Knicks team that has won only five games in 36 chances this season makes it nearly impossible to stay motivated. However, being traded to a team that has three All-Stars, including superstar LeBron James, makes it much simpler.
Not to mention, the Cavaliers’ 19-15 record is good for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Do not be surprised if Shumpert and Smith begin to play some of the best basketball of their career, or at least sometime soon. It is remarkable what athletes can do once given the right opportunity. Sure, there will definitely be a learning curve, especially with the slight drama in Cleveland that has seeped into the media. Still, there is no question the additions will give the Cavaliers a better chance to win.
It will be interesting to watch how Shumpert and Smith mesh with James, Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and the rest of the Cleveland players. In all honesty, it could backfire horribly. On the other hand, I believe it is more likely to work out in their favor. This is by no means a championship-type move, although it definitely could be the proper step to get the Cavaliers more competitive in the East.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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