Crunched by the disastrous results of the Kyrie Irving trade so far and LeBron James’ impending free agency, the Cavaliers are undergoing a massive overhaul.
They already traded the destructive Isaiah Thomas to the Lakers (with Channing Frye and a protected first-round pick for Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson). Now, the other rotation player in the Irving trade – Jae Crowder, who has disappointed in Cleveland – is going to the Jazz in a three-team trade involving the Kings.
Oh, and Dwyane Wade is returning to the Heat.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Utah has traded Rodney Hood to Cleveland, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Utah will also send Joe Johnson to Sacramento, and Cleveland will send Jae Crowder and Derek Rose to Utah, league sources tell ESPN. Sacramento sends George Hill to the Cavs.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Cleveland sends Iman Shumpert to Kings in deal, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Cleveland is trading Dwyane Wade to Miami, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2018
Sam Amick of USA Today:
The Kings also get Miami's 2020 second round pick in this deal, I'm told. Also, a little over $3 million in cash.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 8, 2018
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports:
Utah will likely release former NBA MVP Derrick Rose, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2018
The Cavs sold low on Crowder, who’s locked into a team-friendly contract (due $7,305,825 and $7,815,533 the next two years) if he’s playing well. But at least they got good return.
George Hill will likely start at point guard and will be a HUGE upgrade defensively over Thomas. Hill is also more comfortable off the ball than Thomas, which is important with LeBron. Hill is owed a lot of money, but that – and the Kings’ losing – was why he was available.
Rodney Hood could start at shooting guard the way J.R. Smith has played this season. Hood is also a good spot-up 3-point shooter, again a skill enhanced by LeBron.
Both guards should be invigorated by their fresh start on a contender. The Cavaliers desperately need that fresh attitude.
They also needed Wade less after getting Clarkson, who should take over as lead playmaker on reserve units. Clarkson’s role makes much more sense now. How LeBron feels about losing his good friend Wade is another question, but it seems Wade signed off on this trade.
Wade’s Miami homecoming will be emotional, and this erases the tension between him and Pat Riley. Wade might even help the Heat on the court with Dion Waiters out for the season. In limited minutes, Wade can attack the basket and distribute.
The Jazz get Crowder after coveting him a while. If he returns to the form he showed with the Celtics, this will be a great trade. If not… at least Hood and Joe Johnson weren’t long-term pieces anyway.
The Kings clear $8,988,766 in future salary – Hill’s guarantees minus Iman Shumpert’s $11,011,234 player option for next season. Johnson, on an expiring contract, is a prime buyout candidate. The pick and straight cash (homie) also help Sacramento.
This might be the end of Derrick Rose’s career, one that included an MVP but so many injury-fueled lows since. He’s just 29, but I’m not sure he has the desire to keep playing. I’m not sure a team has the desire to sign him.