The redundancy of Clarkson with who Collin Sexton is right now has been a roster problem for a season and a half. Both players look for their own scoring opportunity first and foremost, neither thinks about the value of getting the other players into a groove on offense. This role as facilitator makes all the players on the floor more valuable in all phases of the game, but the Cavs never regained a player like that after LeBron left. And, of course, there is the issue of being so undersized on defense and limiting switches. Clarkson has a modest standing reach of 8'2 and was swinging between shooting guard and small forward.
Enter Exum. Although he is a shade under 200 pounds and definitely a guard, his measurables ate just a better defensive fit next to an already small group. He has a 6'9.5 wingspan and an 8'7 standing reach. That brings a defensive versatility that Clarkson just can't provide. On offense, Exum has been underwhelming as a scorer and not efficient either. What he does provide is a point guard mentality of running the plays correctly and getting others involved. Of course Dellavedova is the player on the roster who is the most natural creator for others, but his offense and declining physical ability has made him more of a liability than Exum will likely bring onto the court.
So there is simply a good role right now waiting for Exum, if you allow yourself to ignore his awful contract.
