The Miami Heat are apparently doing everything possible to create long-term salary cap flexibility. That includes looking into moving the bloated contracts of Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside.
Now according to this report from Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Miami is contemplating a deal that would send the 13th pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 26th pick and guard J.R. Smith.
The idea here is simple. Miami would likely send a long-term contract to Cleveland as a way to create more space. Only $3.87 of the $15 million Smith is owed next season is guaranteed through June 30.
This is a move that could actually make sense for both sides. As a rebuilding team, Cleveland doesn’t have to worry too much about cap flexibility.
Being able to move up more than a dozen spots in the first round while trading a malcontent like Smith makes sense.
Selecting No. 5 overall on Thursday, the Cavs could expedite their rebuild with two top-13 picks to team up with ultra-impressive youngster Collin Sexton.
If the Heat are able to make a move of this ilk, it would likely include unloading either Dragic, Whiteside or Waiters. None of the three seem to have long-term futures in South Beach.