Cavaliers deal two, drop two as roster takes shape

Richard Jefferson #34 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 25, 2017 in Independence, Ohio. AFP

New York, United States — The Cleveland Cavaliers trimmed their roster Saturday ahead of the upcoming NBA season, trading forward Richard Jefferson and guard Kay Felder to Atlanta while releasing center Kendrick Perkins and guard Isaac Hamilton.

The Hawks, who released Felder and Jefferson to save $3.8 million in combined salary, also received second-round picks in the 2019 and 2020 NBA Draft from Cleveland.

Atlanta sent the Cavaliers the draft rights to 22-year-old Greek forward Dimitrios Agravanis, who has played the past four years for Olympiacos of Greece, and Ukrainian guard Sergiy Gladyr, who has played the past two seasons for Monaco.

The Cavaliers also sent the Hawks $3 million but will save $12.8 million in luxury tax payments by making the deal, ESPN reported.

“These situations and decisions are some of the toughest to be in and have to make,” said Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman. “Certainly, both RJ and Kay are two guys we also wanted to have with us this season.”

Jefferson, 37, averaged 5.7 points and 2.6 rebounds last season in his 16th NBA campaign. Felder, 22, averaged 4.0 points and 1.4 assists in his first NBA season.

Perkins, 32, helped Boston win the 2008 NBA crown and played in three pre-season contests for the Cavs. Hamilton had only been signed on Wednesday.

The Cavaliers open the NBA’s 72nd season at home Tuesday against Boston. /cbb