The Cleveland Cavaliers stunned the basketball world Saturday when they traded Richard Jefferson to the Atlanta Hawks. Aside from the NBA veteran, the Cavs also shipped Kay Felder, two second-round draft picks, and cash ($3 million) to Atlanta. In exchange for all this, last season's runners-up received the draft rights of Dimitrios Agravanis and Sergey Gladyr.
The Hawks immediately waived Jefferson once the trade was completed. According to a report by ESPN, there are several organizations interested in him and among them is his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee has one of the youngest rosters in the NBA today, and they could use a seasoned player like Jefferson.
There is no agreement yet between the Bucks and Jefferson. If a deal materializes, the 13th overall pick in 2001 would reunite with his ex-Nets teammate, Jason Kidd. Kidd is the head coach of the Bucks. Jefferson and Kidd spent seven seasons together in New Jersey, where they helped the Nets franchise reach the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.
Potential contributions
Veteran leadership and experience are what Richard Jefferson could contribute to the Milwaukee Bucks if they granted him another chance. Jefferson could be used in an instrumental capacity to the Bucks' blooming talents, especially Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Tony Snell, and Sterling Brown, who are wing players.
Jefferson can still contribute on both ends of the floor, and he proved that in his two-season stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, at this point in his career, what makes the former Arizona Wildcat valuable in the NBA is his ability to motivate and mentor his younger teammates.
One more vet gone
Richard Jefferson was not the only veteran the Cleveland Cavaliers parted ways with recently.
The Cavs also removed center Kendrick Perkins from their roster. Perkins signed with the Cavaliers in late September and the 32-year-old participated in three preseason games for the Cavs.
The Cavaliers waived Perkins the same day they traded Jefferson to the Atlanta Hawks. It was unfortunate for the one-time NBA champion, but his time in Cleveland may not be over yet.
Head coach Tyronn Lue is considering having him as a part of his coaching staff. Perkins explained that his goal right now is to continue playing in the NBA, but he also revealed that he aims to be a coach when he retires from active competition.
