The NBA trade rumors have the Cleveland Cavaliers with more urgency to upgrade the backcourt because of JR Smith's injury.
The Cavaliers opened the season with a need for a back-up point guard and also a center, but they believed that point was the more urgent need. Due to the stellar play of Kyrie Irving and the fact that the Cavs are still at the top of the Eastern Conference, the front office passed on making any moves.
That may change now with JR Smith out. He was injured in the crucial game against the Toronto Raptors.
Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com covered the incident.
"Smith suffered a left knee injury in the first quarter when he landed awkwardly after converting a floater with 1:52 left. X-rays were negative, but the team will seek further testing (read, MRI) in Cleveland Tuesday on Smith's knee -- which has already been bothering the 31-year-old for at least the last week.
The report aalso noted the possible implications if the Cavs would lose Smith in the coming games.
"The Cavs' lineup rotations are already out of whack because coach Tyronn Lue needs to compensate for the lack of a true backup point guard. Having to fill Smith's spot among the starters could further complicate the issue and, depending on the severity of Smith's injury, cause general manager David Griffin to contemplate multiple roster moves."
Vardon reported in September that the Cavs actually contacted Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole, even former Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich for the reserve point guard position that was vacated by Mo Williams.
Chalmers and Cole have the edge since they have been point guards for LeBron James back when he was with the Miami Heat and they have won titles together. It won't be much of a surprise if they were called up again.
The Cavaliers still has their trade exception to use in a transaction and they are likely to use it sooner than later. Kyrie Irving is not exactly known as a league "iron man" and he is already playing extensive minutes-something the Cavs wanted to avoid early in the season as Cavs Nation noted.
"LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are spending more time on the court than originally planned, which will be an issue moving forward. The Cavs are aiming to decrease the minutes of their starters, not increase them," the article stated.
JR Smith will not join the Cavs on their road trip to New York as he undergoes more testing to determine the extent of his injury.