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Golden State Warriors: 5 players the Dubs should target prior to the trade deadline

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 12: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks reacts after the Nicks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 12, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Nicks 113-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 12: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks reacts after the Nicks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 12, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Nicks 113-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

JR Smith

Ever since the Cleveland Cavaliers lost LeBron James this past offseason, it’s seemed JR Smith has checked out. He’s been sitting out the past few weeks in hopes that the team will trade him, not wanting to spend his season tanking like the Cavs plan to do.

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Contractually, Smith is owed $14.7 million this season, one reason the Cavs might not be buying out the sharpshooter. However, next season, he’s owed under $4 million, meaning the Warriors could waive him if they felt he wasn’t contributing enough.

While Smith hasn’t quite been his dynamic sniping self this season, he’s had sparks of greatness over the last few years. This season, Smith has averaged just 6.7 points per game and has shot under 35% from the field, not a pretty site for those interested in the veteran.

It shouldn’t take the Warriors too long to remember Smith’s value though. He was automatic from downtown a few games in the 2015 and 2016 NBA Finals. While Smith’s team didn’t always win, when he was on, they had at least a fighting chance.

Last season, Smith shot over 37% from deep, a very respectable mark. Smith could help free up cap, but he’d need to prove himself on the court before fans could imagine any trade being advantageous for Golden State.

At 33, Smith should still be productive if given the space and motivation.

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