http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/2...land-cavaliers
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine
I don't know what to think of this one. On one hand, Matthews very clearly doesn't fit this season's aspirations, if those were or still are alive in terms of sneaking into the playoffs.
The bottom line question is can you squeak an asset out of the swap. Is a high 2nd round pick next year worth it (assuming Cavs continue to slide) or say the rights to Billy Preston or Ante Zizic if they like him? Does Cleveland have the desire to give up the asset?
What it does for Cleveland is relieve them of JR Smith. He's cheaper than Wes Matthews this season, but carries a partial guaranty next season of $3.87mm. He could easily provide as much as Matthews on the court, but would be a downgrade off the court, by most accounts.
I have no strong opinion here, but that's the news today...