One shouldn’t expect happiness to prevail for those on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ sinking ship.
The trade sending Kyle Korver from Cleveland to the Utah Jazz upset several Cavs players, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon. The remaining Cavs players reportedly believe the Korver trade will rob the team of its best outside shooter at a time when Cleveland has few players who are adept in that area.
The Jazz acquired Korver in exchange for Alec Burks and two second-round picks (in 2020 and 2021).
After starting the season with the stated intent of competing for a playoff spot, the Cavs have dramatically altered their course toward a rebuild. Cleveland’s about-face reportedly upset veterans like J.R. Smith and Korver, whom the team just weeks earlier persuaded to remain in place instead of demanding trades on the heels of LeBron James signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Cavs are enduring a 4-15 start, and Korver’s exit won’t help them improve their on-court fortunes. Nor will it help quell the discontent that’s open for any and all NBA observers to see.
