Cavs Trade Sharpshooter Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver is getting another shot with a contender.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Korver, one of the best deep outside shooters in NBA history, to the Utah Jazz, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
In exchange for Korver, Cleveland receives guard Alec Burks, Utah’s 2020 second-round selection along with Washington’s 2021 second-rounder.
The Cavs also receive an asset in Burks’ expiring contract worth $11.2 million, something they might be able to use in another deal.
“I was surprised,” Jazz star Donovan Mitchell said of the deal that was agreed to shortly before Utah’s 101-91 victory in Brooklyn. “AB is my guy. He is really a funny dude. He is always keeping a positive vibe. I wish him the best in Cleveland. I’m excited to work with Kyle. I have always admired his shooting.”
ESPN first reported that Korver was on the move.
The Cavs are just 4-14 in their first season since LeBron James left again.
Cleveland began this season thinking it could compete for a playoff spot while developing young players, but after a coaching change and rash of injuries, the team’s priorities have shifted and management decided it was time ship Korver elsewhere.
Korver was one of the most coveted players on the market, and the Cavs have been shopping him along with forward J.R. Smith, who agreed to step away from the team after being unhappy with his reduced role this season.
Jazz, by swapping Alec Burks for Kyle Korver, get coveted shooting (46.3% 3PT), save $3.0M this season, and create a $4.0M trade exception. Korver’s $7.5M salary for 2019-20 is $3.4M guaranteed til 7/7, which, if stretched, still leaves flexibility to create up to $42M+ cap room.
— Albert Nahmad (@AlbertNahmad) November 29, 2018
The 37-year-old Korver is headed back to Utah, where he played from 2007-10.
With a record of just 10-12, the Jazz have been a disappointment so far.
Utah entered Wednesday’s game 29th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, making 31.9 percent. But Korver’s range should open the floor for Mitchell and others.
“I mean we’re not a terrible 3-point shooting team, I think guys are just missing shots,” Jazz forward Derrick Favors said. “They’re missing shots that they normally make so I think that’s something we can definitely improve on. I think Kyle Korver can help out with that but overall I don’t think we’re a bad-shooting team.”
Korver has made 2,238 career 3-pointers, fourth-most in NBA history and tops among current players.
The 27-year-old Burks has battled injuries over the past few years. He’s averaging 8.4 points and 15.8 minutes this season.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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