Factory Of Sadness
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Cleveland Cavaliers must do what it takes to shed salary

By Ryan Rosko

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: The game ball sits on the court during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: The game ball sits on the court during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Major changes are needed to be made by the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a hole this offseason and for the near future. They must dig themselves out to continue to upgrade the roster and be a serious contender in the east.

Regardless of what LeBron James decides to do, there are players on the roster that needs to be moved ASAP. The challenge, however, is money.

That said, Cleveland must shed salary any way they can. Although doing so is filled with unknowns it must be done. By doing though so, they can remain atop the standings in the east.

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There are three players I am focusing on that should get a new change of scenery soon. All three should be gone given their contract situation, what their overall contribution is to Cleveland, and what their role could be soon.

Those three are Tristan Thompson, Jordan Clarkson, and J.R. Smith. Thompson is one of James’ buddies but “The King” wants to win and Thompson does not do enough to accomplish that. Business is business and like it or not, Thompson has not done enough to warrant his contract and no I am not just referring to the 2018 playoffs.

Thompson has dealt with stretches of DNPs and his lone good skill is rebounding. He averaged 6.6 last season. In addition, Thompson averaged just 5.8 points in 2017-18 and it has been five seasons since he has come close to averaging a double-double.

What is the value in keeping him? Kevin Love, who is making more than Thompson gets a lot of heat about how he has played despite some injuries while being a multiple all-star. Yet, he is the one that some wants out of Cleveland, wow.

Thompson should be involved in more trade talks but given his lack of production and his salary (nearly $17.5 million for next season), no wonder teams are not constantly calling Cleveland. If the Cavs can get something, anything, even if it is just a talent with potential, then Cleveland must send Thompson packing.

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George Hill would have been listed here too and he is not the future at the point. However, Hill did enough to be a decent piece in the rotation for the time being and let’s not forget the potential buyout for $1 million in 2019-2020.

Jordan Clarkson has not lived up to expectations since being acquired in February. In 28 games with the Cavs, he averaged 22.6 minutes/game in which he accumulated 12.6 points and 1.7 assists. That simply does not cut it but it is more than just what is seen on the back of a basketball card.

One general yet specific reason is that Clarkson struggled to be a solid piece to the rotation consistently while looking uncomfortable trying to adapt to Cleveland. Getting $12.5 million and nearly $13.438 million the next two seasons should qualify the combo guard as a great option to be dealt sometime soon.

Lastly, Smith has had his ups and downs during his time in northeast Ohio. With Kyle Korver and Cedi Osman on the roster though, Cleveland can afford to move him if they so choose. Smith has seen a decrease in points/game each year despite seeing an increase in his three-point shooting.

Given the inconsistencies Smith showcases along with airhead moves being made more often than one would like to see, how does Smith remain in Cleveland? That nearly $4 million buyout for 2019-20 also should play into discussions.

Next: 6 offseason moves to win the 2019 finals

The Cavs were creative in how they made up their current roster that ended up in the finals. Exactly what they would have to do to fix their roster remains to be seen. However, given what Cleveland has been able to do to add talent in the past should provide confidence. If they maintain their creativity, moves will be made to help out their financial situation.

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