The Cleveland Cavaliers traded guard Dion Waiters to the Oklahoma City Thunder and got JR Smith and Iman Shumpert from the New York Knicks in a three-team trade. AP
CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers tried to make it work with Dion Waiters. They couldn’t wait any longer.
A disappointing 19-16 after losing at Philadelphia, the Cavs dealt Waiters to the Thunder in exchange for Oklahoma City’s protected 2015 first-round pick. Also, the Cavs sent reserves Lou Amundson and Alex Kirk and their 2019 second-round pick to the Knicks, who are 5-32 and desperate to clear salary-cap space. Cleveland traded the shooting guard to Oklahoma City on Monday night and acquired guards J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert from the New York Knicks in a three-team deal.
New York also received forward Lance Thomas from Oklahoma City.
The Cavs have been ravaged by injuries in superstar LeBron James’ first season back in Cleveland and needed to shake things up. The team had discussed moving Waiters, the No. 4 overall pick, over the past two years and finally struck a deal. Both James and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving sat out against the Sixers because of injuries.
Waiters was pulled from the starting lineup in Philadelphia – his hometown – shortly before the Cavs lost to the lowly 76ers, who got their first home win.
”Dion is a talented player with potential ahead of him,” Cavs general manager David Griffin said. ”Trades like this are always difficult to make because there are relationships and bonds built and that was the case with Dion. At the same time, we’re very excited to welcome Iman and J.R. to Cleveland. With their size and versatility, we think both Iman and J.R. can help our team on both ends of the court and we look forward to them joining us.”
The mercurial Smith, who has never been afraid to shoot, could give Cleveland’s second unit the offensive boost first-year coach David Blatt has been looking for all season. Waiters had some success coming off the bench, but he never seemed comfortable and the Cavs finally found him a new home.
Shumpert, who has been sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, is regarded as a solid perimeter defender. He had been starting before his injury, averaging 9.3 points.
The Thunder, who have had their own injury issues, believe Waiters can help them.
”Dion Waiters is a player that we’ve tracked and liked since his time at Syracuse, in the NBA, and with USA Basketball,” general manager Sam Presti said. ”Dion provides another proven scorer that positively impacts our roster and adds depth and flexibility. We have a lot of respect for his toughness and competitiveness, and believe that he is a physical playmaker who will enhance the versatility of our team.”