Cavaliers Trade Rumors: Cleveland Plans to Move JR Smith in June

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to find a trade partner for guard JR Smith after the 2018-19 season wraps up in June, according to The Athletic's Joe Vardon. 

Smith has not suited up for the Cavs since Nov. 6, as he and the team mutually agreed to go their separate ways in late November.

Vardon notes that Smith's 2019-20 salary of $15.8 million would only cost Cleveland $3.9 million if he is waived or traded by June 30. 

With LeBron James leaving for the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, Smith was among the veterans who saw themselves fall out of favor within the organization. Not only did he find himself being removed from the starting lineup, but the 33-year-old also saw very limited action overall as the organization turned its attention to the future.

Smith has appeared in just 11 games this season (four starts), averaging 6.7 points on 34.2 percent shooting, including just 30.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Unhappy with his role, Smith let it be known on Nov. 1 that he wanted to be traded. He would later vent his frustrations to The Athletic's Jason Lloyd, saying that the Cavaliers were committed to tanking this season.

"I don't think the goal is to win. The goal isn't to go out there and try to get as many wins as you can," Smith told Lloyd. "I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan."

Even though he wanted out, he made it clear to Lloyd that he wasn't interested in a buyout.

"I don't want my legacy to be remembered like that in Cleveland," Smith added. "I don't think that's fair to the people I see every single day walking around the arena. I don't think that's fair to the trainers or equipment guys. ... I just look at it differently than being traded. I don't like the statement of getting bought out."

The Feb. 7 trade deadline came and passed, and Smith remained with the team. Now, he appears to be stuck in limbo until the summer.

Acquired from the New York Knicks during the 2014-15 season, Smith played a key role in helping the Cavs reach the Finals in each of the past four seasons. He will forever be remembered in Cleveland lore for helping the franchise win its first-ever championship back in 2016. Of course, his legacy will also forever be tied to his blunder at the end of regulation in Game 1 of last year's Finals.