Last season’s trade to bring Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers was done for a few reasons. Shumpert was brought to Cleveland by GM David Griffin to give the team a more defensive identity, as Shumpert is one of the leagues best perimeter defenders. Bringing in Shumpert to help fix the defense was a very safe option.
Many on the other hand saw Smith as a risky move but due to LeBron James’ endorsement, the Cavs took the gamble. The Cavaliers were planning to use Smith, as a sixth man and his role would be to provide the Cavs with a burst of offensive energy.