JR Smith
As detailed in an article released yesterday, there more one reason why the Golden State Warriors would want to trade for JR Smith.
The main reason is for a cap flexibility for the upcoming season, in which they can waive Smith for under $4 million instead of his over $15 million potentially due. However, Smith could also spread the floor, giving the second unit a new identity.
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The second unit is No. 29 in threes per game because they’re led by non-three point shooting threats like Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala. In today’s NBA, without Curry to spread the floor, the congestion caused by playing both Livingston and Iggy typically create difficult shots for everyone on the court, a potential reason for the Dubs four-game losing streak.
That said, Smith’s presence, albeit he’s struggling from three, would provide that elite threat. He could fill Nick Young‘s role from last season while allowing the team about $13 million next season in cap space, avoiding part of Smith’s cap hit.
Before knocking a trade for Smith, think about how necessary Iggy is to the team’s success. This isn’t 2015. They don’t need Iggy. He’s actually averaging a career-low in points per game which doesn’t help his or the team’s cause.
Why not do this deal?