Cavaliers Trade Kyle Korver To Jazz For Burks, Two Second Round Picks

by
Former Writers
November 28, 2018

On Wednesday, the Utah Jazz made a move to upgrade their 3-point shooting. The Jazz acquired Kyle Korver in a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers received two second-round picks and Alec Burks in return for Korver.

Acquiring Kyle Korver Is A Smart Move By The Jazz

Utah (9-12) is looking to make improvements to what’s been so far a disappointing year. They have lost six of their last eight games and have been struggling to make shots. They are 29th in three-point percentage and 16th in field-goal percentage. Grabbing Korver, who is shooting 46% from three, is a big grab for a team who needs depth and someone who can hit shots.

The seasoned veteran has been on this team before and has proven he can come off the bench and give them quality minutes. Utah is hoping the 37 year-old will give them the boost they need to help contend in the western conference.

Cavaliers Are In Rebuilding Mode

As for Cleveland (4-15), they were hoping to grab some assets in return, and that is exactly what they did. The 2021 second-round draft pick is originally from the Washington Wizards, who will likely be in rebuilding mode at that point.

They also received Alec Burks in the trade. Considering J.R. Smith isn’t reporting to Cleveland and asked for a trade, it wouldn’t hurt the Cavaliers to grab an extra guard. Especially one that is averaging 8.4 points in 15 minutes. With more time on the court, Burks could be a positive for the Cavaliers who are just looking for pieces.

Good Move For Both Teams

The Jazz get a player that contenders were hoping to grab. Korver is still a very valuable piece to a team, who can come off the bench and hit threes consistently. He was looking for a contender to play for, and this Jazz team is looking to win now after last season to meet expectations.

Brian Windhorst reported on ESPN Wednesday Night that Korver wanted to be traded to a contender in the summer. When Cleveland realized they weren’t going to compete for a title, they decided to look places to trade Korver.

“By sending him to Utah, they’re sending him to a place where he was in the past,” said Windhorst. “He met his wife in Utah, it is more comfortable for his family.”

As for Cleveland, after 19 games into the season, it is clear that they will not be in the playoff hunt. They’re looking for assets to add to the team and build for the future. As said before, Smith is looking to go to a contender as the Cavaliers hope to acquire more assets to build around the young core.