The Cleveland Cavaliers could search the trade market for additional shooters following J.R. Smith's injury.
The Cavs could still be among the teams looking to make a trade before the February 2017 deadline, with the team expected to miss J.R. Smith for 12-14 weeks after successfully undergoing thumb surgery. While Smith's absence would open up minutes for the likes of DeAndre Liggins, Jordan McRae and rookie Kay Felder, adding another shooter could be a viable alternative for the defending champs, who are willing to make a deal for the right player, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports.
"[The Cleveland Cavaliers] can make a deal before the trade deadline, and they also have a $9.6 million trade exception to use. Depending on who that player is if they use the trade exception, it would add salary and increase the luxury tax payment. But for the right player, who can help win another championship, the Cavs are willing to make that deal," Zillgitt wrote.
It is unclear how will the Cavs are to make a deal, but there could be plenty of options for Cleveland on the market. Dieter Kurtenbach of Fox Sports listed potential targets for the Cavs and among the players included in the list are Los Angeles Lakers' Nick Young and Indiana Pacers' Monta Ellis.
Luke Walton's arrival in Los Angeles has rejuvenated Young's career, with Swaggy P emerging as one of the most consistent scorers for the Lakers, averaging 14.1 points per game, while shooting a career-high 46.3 percent from the field, including 41.5 from beyond the arc. Playing for an offensively talented team like the Cavs would give Young more opportunities to drain open shots and a chance to finally play for a contender.
The Lakers have long been interested in moving Young, but the team's surprisingly impressive campaign in the regular season could force LA to keep hold of the 31-year-old shooting guard.
On the other hand, Ellis would probably be the more suitable acquisition for the Cavs, who also happen to be looking for a veteran backup point guard, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
Ellis is only averaging 9.5 points a game, his lowest since his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors, while shooting a respectable 42.8 percent from the field. But his struggles to find his offensive rhythm could be accounted for his limited touches with the Pacers, with the Ellis only attempting an averaging of 8.3 shots per contest.
Playing for the Cavs would not guarantee Ellis more touches on the offensive end, but his ability to create shots and make plays would come real handy for Cleveland's hopes of repeating as NBA champs.
It remains to be seen whether the Cavs would consider trading for the aforementioned players, much less making a move before the trade deadline. But given the Cavs lack of proven talents off the bench and their core depleted by injuries, it is possible Ellis and Young come up as potential targets for Cleveland.
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