JR Smith hoping to be traded by Cavaliers

12:50 PM ET

JR Smith, unhappy with his playing time, on Thursday said he hopes to be traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"Yeah," Smith said when asked if he was hoping for a trade. "They know. They don't want me here, so they obviously know."

On Tuesday, the Cavs informed Smith for the second time this season that he would be removed from the rotation and not receive guaranteed playing time, sources told ESPN. Smith was upset by the news and considered taking some time away from the team, sources said. But Smith decided to stay for the time being.

Smith, 33, is in his 15th season and is making $14.7 million. He has yet to play more than 20 minutes in a game and is averaging just 2.5 points and 1.0 rebound. He has two years left on his current contract.

Meanwhile, Cleveland has initiated testing the trade market for guard Kyle Korver in the last several days, sources said. There was some trade interest in Korver last summer and the Cavs are circling back on those talks.

Two games into the season, Smith and Korver were told they would be out of the rotation, sources said. Before he was fired, coach Ty Lue reversed that decision and elected to insert them into the lineup. The team then lost the next three games to fall to 0-6, and Lue was fired.

Korver remained in the rotation on Tuesday night when the Cavs defeated the Atlanta Hawks.

The Cavaliers (1-6) face the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

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