The best way to get traded is to just tell the truth.
JR Smith isn’t lying, so you can’t be mad at him for speaking his mind about these issues.
According to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, Smith said he believes the Cavs are tanking: “I don’t think the goal is to win. The goal isn’t to go out there and try to get as many wins as you can. I think the goal is to develop and lose to get lottery picks. I think that was always the plan.”
When asked if he wants to be part of the team moving forward, Smith said, “Not if the goal isn’t to compete, to win.”
“I don’t want my legacy to be remembered like that in Cleveland. I don’t think that’s fair to the people I see every single day walking around the arena. I don’t think that’s fair to the trainers or equipment guys. … I just look at it differently than being traded. I don’t like the statement of getting bought out.”
We will have to watch carefully at how the Cavs decide to handle this.