NBA Trade Deadline: 3 players who are set to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2018/19 season having reached the NBA Finals in four consecutive seasons. The team played the Golden State Warriors on all four occasions, and the Cavs managed to bring home their first Championship during the 16/17 season. Nevertheless, this was Cleveland's only triumph, as Steph Curry and co. often breezed past LeBron's team.

Believing that he could no longer win in Cleveland, James made the decision to leave for the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, although the Cavs still believing they could compete, re-signed All-Star Kevin Love to a new a new four-year, $120 million contract.

Despite the Cavs ambition, the team has slipped to a disastrous 11-41 record, and the team are likely to trade away a number of players before the February trade deadline. Cleveland's roster is currently home to a number of young talents, in addition to seasoned veterans who could help a contender, so with departures imminent, here are three of the players that are likely to leave the Cavs over the next week.

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#3 Alec Burks

Cleveland Cavaliers v Los Angeles Lakers

Back in November, Alec Burks was traded, along with two future second-round picks, to the Cavs, in exchange for Kyle Korver. Since landing in Cleveland, Burks has played 32 times, averaging 11.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, and Amico Hoops is reporting that the 27-year-old's performances have attracted the attention of the Boston Celtics:

The Cavs are seeking a player (for salary purposes) and draft picks for Burks. The Boston Celtics have expressed interest and they have three first-round picks. I can’t imagine them parting with a first-rounder for Burks.

Burks will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and the Cavs look willing to accept a draft pick in return for Burk.

#2 Rodney Hood

Cleveland Cavaliers v Minnesota Timberwolves

Rodney Hood has been one of the Cavs most consistent performers since joining the team just over a year ago, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the 26-year-old is currently attracting interest from around the league:

Shooting guard Rodney Hood is garnering interest from several teams, and has a no-trade clause on the one-year, $3.4 million qualifying offer he signed with the Cavaliers before the season. Teams such as New Orleans, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee have looked into wing help. For a Cavaliers team with heavy salaries throughout the roster, Hood has emerged as a targeted piece.

Hood has played 40 times for the Cavs this season, averaging 12.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Just like Burks, Hood will become a free agent this summer, so the Cavs are in a position where they need to either trade Hood now or face the prospect of losing him for free during the offseason.

#1 J.R. Smith

Cleveland Cavaliers v Detroit Pistons

The Cavaliers made J.R. Smith available for trade back in November after the veteran point guard publicly criticized the direction of the franchise. Despite this, Smith is still a member of the Cavs roster, as rival teams have been uninterested in taking on board Smith's huge $14.7 million contract. Nevertheless, an update earlier this week confirmed that Smith is closing in a departure:

Exiled guard J.R. Smith may be somewhere closer to accepting a buyout after the trade deadline, after all. He has been working out and wants to play. Teams such as the Rockets and Warriors may be willing to give Smith a shot.

A buyout would make J.R. Smith a much more attractive for teams around the league, and if the veteran is available on a veterans minimum deal, there will be huge interest in a player who last season averaged 8.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.