Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 things to expect before the trade deadline

LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second time last summer, and just like in 2010, the Cavs have struggled badly without their longtime superstar. Not only is Cleveland's four-year run of NBA Final appearances set to come to an end this season, but the Cavs are also set to miss out on the playoffs completely. In fact, they could actually finish the 2018/19 season with the worst record in the entire league.

The Cavs organisation made a number of big moves back in the summer, including the extension of Kevin Love's contract, and the decision to draft the exciting Collin Sexton. These decisions were made as the Cavs believed they could still compete in the aftermath of James' departure, although after a disastrous start to post-LeBron life, the Cavs organisation has quickly turned their attention to a complete rebuild.

Due to this, the Cavs are expected to be extremely busy during the final days of the trade window, and here are three things that are likely to have happened once the trade deadline comes into effect on Thursday.

#3 J.R. Smith will still be on the roster

Smith hasn't played in a couple of months

J.R. Smith has not played for the Cavs for more than two months, however, the veteran has had trouble landing on a new team. The reason for this has been attributed to both Smith's contract (worth $15 million for the season) and the veterans history of temperament issues.

Nevertheless, Smith can still contribute as part of a reserve unit, and in his 11 appearances for the Cavs this season, the veteran averaged 6.7 points, 1.9 assists and 1.6 rebounds in 20.2 minutes. Teams won't be willing to give anything up for Smith as part of a trade this week, however, the 33-year-old will become a much more attractive proposition once he agrees to a buyout with the Cavs.

#2 Major Departures

While the Cleveland Cavaliers have endured a disastrous 2018/19 season, it is worth remembering that this is the same roster that reached the NBA Finals last year. While LeBron and Kyle Korver are now gone, the majority of the roster has remained the same, and there is still a number of talented players that can help out contending teams until the end of the season.

Earlier today, the Cavs reportedly traded away Rodney Hood to the Portland Trail Blazers, and the likes of Alec Burks and Channing Frye are likely to be two of the next names exiting Cleveland. The Cavs are clearly willing to trade away both veterans and players on expiring contracts, and the team will be looking to get as many players as possible off their books ahead of the deadline on Thursday.

Ultimately, the Cavs want draft picks, and the team is more than happy to tank until April.

#1 Kevin Love Stays with the team

Kevin Love signed a new four-year, $120 million contract with the Cavaliers last summer, as Cleveland looked to build their future around their remaining All-Star. The Cavs had hoped that the re-signing of Love would show the rest of the NBA that they intended to remain as the major force in the East, however, Love has played in just four games this season, shooting .323 from the field

Love will be 35 by the end of his new contract, and the Cavs are going to have an extremely difficult time in moving a player who has never demonstrated that he can carry a franchise. The Thunder have been linked with Love, however, OKC are already well into the luxury tax, and a move looks extremely unlikely. Ultimately, there will be few takers for Love this month, and the five-time All-Star will probably stick around until at least the summer.