NBA Rumors: 3 Players that are likely to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer

When LeBron James departed Cleveland last summer, the Cavaliers front office expressed its belief that the team could continue to compete. However, any hopes of contention soon evaporated, and the 2016 champions finished the season with a 19-63 record.

The Cavs are now in the process of a major rebuild, and more senior players are expected to leave this summer. So, as we approach the offseason, here are three members of the current Cavs roster that are likely exit.

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#3 Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson's future in Cleveland is in doubt

Jordan Clarkson joined the Cavs from the Lakers back in early 2018 as part of the deal that also bought Larry Nance Jr. to Cleveland. However, the 26-year-old has yet to start a regular season game, and Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com believes that the Cavs are likely to test his value:

I don’t know about the exact timing. These things are always difficult to predict because one phone call can be the difference. But Clarkson is a valuable trade chip and the Cavs recognize that. He will be one of the many players they have conversations about, maybe even starting this off-season.

Entering the final year of his contract, with an unclear future, Clarkson has proven to be a reliable scorer off the bench. All of those factors put him in play, especially with contenders always looking for cheap help that allows them to keep financial flexibility.

I’d be surprised if they can’t get a first-rounder or at least a pair of second-rounders for Clarkson at some point before the February trade deadline.

Despite failing to break into the Cavs starting five, Clarkson has managed to make a positive contribution from the bench. During 81 appearances this season, the former Laker averaged 16.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

#2 Kevin Love

Kevin Love signed a new long term deal with the Cavs last summer

Contrary to speculation, the Cavs are in no rush to force Kevin Love towards the exit door. The franchise values Love's commitment, and believe that he could help with the development of a young roster. However, at 30, the All-Star doesn't fit the team's current timescale, and Chris Fedor believes Love will be traded if the right offer comes along:

They believe his professionalism and leadership are important. He’s the kind of player any team should want around a young group because of the daily example he sets. Would the Cavs move him in the right deal? Sure, they would consider it. No one should be labeled untouchable this early into the rebuild.

Injuries restricted Love to just 22 appearances during the 18-19 campaign. But, during his limited time on the court, Love continued to perform well, averaging 18.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.

#1 J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith has not played since November after falling out with the Cavs

J.R. Smith has not played since November after he publicly questioned the Cavaliers' desire to win. The veteran was linked with a move to the Lakers, although a deal was never completed, and Smith sat out the remainder of the season.

It is expected that teams will be hesitant to sign Smith this summer due to his persistent off-court issues, although Chris Crouse of Hoops Rumors believes that a deal could be completed as teams look to save cap space:

Smith’s 2019/20 salary of $15.68MM is only guaranteed for $3.87MM, Another team that lacks cap flexibility could potentially use his contract to quickly carve out upwards of $18MM in extra cap space.

The Cavaliers have a trade chip that no other team possesses, though the clock is ticking on the asset; Smith’s entire salary for next season will be fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster come July 1.

Smith made just 11 appearances during the 18-19 season, averaging 6.7 points and 1.9 assists per game.