The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Richard Jefferson and Kay Felder to the Atlanta Hawks, reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The final terms of the deal are still being finalized. But ESPN has reported that Cleveland will be sending Portland’s 2019 2nd round draft pick and the lesser of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ and Los Angeles Lakers’ 2019 2nd round pick, as well as $3 million cash considerations.
This trade will save Cleveland roughly $12.8 million in luxury tax penalties. The Cavs still have 17 on their roster and will have to look to cut or trade two more players by Monday when rosters must be set. They do still have one 2 way contract available and could look to use that on Ante Zizic, Cedi Osman, or Isaac Hamilton.
Getting rid of Jefferson is bittersweet for Cavs fans. The veteran played a key role in Cleveland’s 2016 Finals run. RJ appeared in all 7 games against the Warriors and averaged 5.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 24 minutes per game; and even started two games. The 37-year-old Jefferson has said he still plans to play this season and will weigh his options in free agency if he is waived by Atlanta.
