CLEVELAND -- With Tyronn Lue fired and Kevin Love sidelined indefinitely, the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be headed toward a youth movement.
Hours after the team's 136-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Cavs are actively gauging the trade market for guard/forward Kyle Korver. In 15 minutes against Atlanta, Korver scored 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting and is averaging 5.5 points in six appearances off the bench this season.
Consistent playing time, however, has proven hard to come by for the 16th-year swingman, who was held out of the Cavs' Oct. 21 matchup with the Hawks. Following the offseason departure of LeBron James, Cleveland has put a newfound emphasis on developing its youth, with players such as Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson and Cedi Osman being prioritized over the NBA's fourth all-time leading 3-point shooter.
In addition to Korver, Windhorst and Wojnarowski report "the Cavs could become more active in looking to trade other veteran players in the coming weeks." Although not specifically mentioned, those players could presumably include point guard George Hill, center Tristan Thompson and swingman J.R. Smith.
Speaking of Smith, the 15th-year guard didn't play in the Cavs' Tuesday night victory as acting head coach Larry Drew opted to play guard David Nwaba in his place against the Hawks. Per Windhorst and Wojnarowski, Smith has been told there is no longer a place for him in the team's rotation and he has considered taking time away from the team as a result.
With its victory over Atlanta, Cleveland moved to 1-6 on the season. The Cavs will return to action on Thursday when they host the Denver Nuggets.