Skip to content

Knicks trade Shumpert, Smith to Cavs in 3-team deal; Waiters goes to Thunder

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a major move Monday night in an attempt to give their flagging season a shot in the arm. 

RELATED: Why the Cavaliers won the 3-team trade

The Cavs have acquired two New York Knicks - shooting guard Iman Shumpert and swingman J.R. Smith - in a three-way trade that also sends guard Dion Waiters to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The deal was confirmed late Monday night.

The Cavs will also get a protected first-round pick from the Thunder, while the Knicks receive a 2019 second-rounder from the Cavs and bit players Alex Kirk, Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas. 

RELATED: Durant, Thunder aim to make Waiters feel wanted

The Knicks plan to waive Kirk and Amundson, according to multiple reports.

3-Way Trade Receive Send
Cavaliers Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith, 2015 1st (OKC, 19-30) Dion Waiters, Lou Amundson, Alex Kirk, 2019 2nd
Knicks Lou Amundson, Alex Kirk, Lance Thomas, 2019 2nd (CLE) Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith
Thunder Dion Waiters Lance Thomas, 2015 1st (19-30)

New York, clearly seeking a culture overhaul in the midst of a dreadful season, also announced that they waived veteran center Samuel Dalembert.

RELATED: Trade about fit, flexibility, future for Knicks

Shumpert, known for his perimeter defense, is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. He was averaging 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game prior to getting hurt. He can become a restricted free agent this summer.

Cavaliers management spoke to LeBron James about his willingness to play with Smith, according to a report by Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN.

Both Smith and Waiters are much-maligned players having similar statistical seasons - sub-41 percent shooters averaging about 10 points per game.

Waiters, Kirk and Amundson were pulled from the Cavaliers' bench moments before their game Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

MORE STORIES

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox