Not to derail the thread with fantasy trades, but I do think a fairly simple three-way deal could be arranged currently.
Houston receives JR Smith from Cleveland. At $14.7 million with a slight partial guarantee in year 2, this is perfect for Houston. Not only do they save a ton of money in tax this season and gain future flexibility, but they also are likely the only contending team that has a role for JR to contribute off the bench. He fits their system perfectly, and they’re only attached to him for a year.
Atlanta receives Ryan Anderson and a 2020 1st from Houston. Yes, he is owed $20+ million over the next two seasons. However, the Hawks have been in great need of a stretch four, and Anderson can do that job as well as anyone. Likewise, they are compensated for this by receiving a future 1st from Houston to add to their hoard of draft capital. Additionally, they are getting off their own bad contract in the process as you will see next.
Cleveland receives Kent Bazemore from Atlanta and a 2021 2nd from Houston. In addition, Cleveland gets the protections moved from Top 10 protected to Top 20 protected in 2019 and Top 14 protected in 2020 for the 1st they owe Atlanta. The Cavs get a plug and play 3&D shooting guard to pair perfectly between Cedi and Sexton. He’s overpaid at $18+ million over the next two years, but he’s a good teammate and he’ll help this team win—which it appears we are trying to do. Cleveland has shown interest in Bazemore in the past, and has discussed taking him as recently as this past June. We also get rid of JR Smith and the influence he may have had on our young roster. Additionally, by slightly upping the protections on the owed first, we get a little more breathing room now that Cleveland is in a quest for the 8-seed.
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y9lpdsjo