The NBA is one of the most unpredictable competitions in the world, with trades happening on a daily basis that can shake up entire rosters and fanbases. One of the most emotional moments in recent memory came from former NBA player J.R. Smith, who recently opened up about the day he was traded from the New York Knicks to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015. In an appearance on '7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony,' Smith revealed the deep feelings he experienced when he learned of the trade, stating, "I ain't gon' lie, man to man, I was more hurt. It felt like it was more between you and Bron, opposed to the relationship we had over the time that we had and spent. And for me, all I could really fathom at the time was it was over."
Smith's emotional response to the trade was palpable. At the time, he was in Memphis preparing for a game when Knicks executive Steve Mills pulled him aside to break the news. "I cried. I was in Memphis. I was practicing. We were getting ready for the game and I returned to the locker room and Steve Mills pulled me aside. He said, 'We just traded you and Iman Shumpert to Cleveland,'" Smith recalled. This moment marked a significant turning point in his career, one that he described as the "end to an era" with his close friend and teammate Carmelo Anthony.
The trade itself was a strategic move by the Knicks, who were looking to rebuild their roster, but for Smith, it felt like losing a part of his identity. He had spent a considerable amount of time playing alongside Anthony, having previously shared nearly five seasons together with the Denver Nuggets before reuniting in New York. The emotional weight of the trade was compounded by the realization that he and Anthony would no longer be teammates. "Like, damn. Like, this my best friend. I'm never gon' hoop with this n***a again. This was, like, a real, live end to an era," Smith said.
After the trade, Smith and Shumpert joined a Cavaliers team that was on the rise, led by superstar LeBron James. Initially, Smith struggled with the transition and tried to reassure Shumpert about the potential for success in Cleveland. "I'm like, 'Shump, if you don’t pipe that shit down bruh, we about to win a chip.' We was just damn near last place. Bro, we just went to damn near first. We going to the chip for sure," he recounted. Smith's optimism proved to be well-founded, as the Cavaliers not only reached the NBA Finals that year but also made a deep playoff run that culminated in a historic championship victory in 2016.
In that Finals, the Cavaliers achieved the unthinkable by coming back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Golden State Warriors, a feat that had never been accomplished in NBA history. Smith played a crucial role in that playoff run, and his bond with James and the rest of the team grew stronger. The Finals were highlighted by Kyrie Irving's game-winning shot over Stephen Curry in Game 7, and LeBron James' iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala, which solidified their legacy.
Smith's journey in the NBA didn't stop there. He later won a second championship alongside James in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in different team environments. However, the memories of his time with the Knicks and the emotional impact of that trade lingered with him. Smith remains a supporter of the Knicks, as evidenced by his reaction to the team's thrilling Game 2 victory over the Boston Celtics in the playoffs this year.
Reflecting on his career, Smith acknowledged the complexity of his feelings surrounding the trade. Initially, he believed that Anthony was more upset about losing him and Shumpert to the Cavaliers than about the implications of the trade itself. However, after a conversation with his father, he gained a new perspective. "I told my dad this shit. My dad looked at me like I had three heads. He was like, 'You kidding me right now? That man fucking love you.' Gave me a whole different perspective and outlook on shit, and I was just like, 'Nah, you right,'" Smith shared.
As of now, both Smith and Shumpert are no longer active in the NBA, while Anthony's future remains uncertain. LeBron James, on the other hand, continues to play at an elite level with the Lakers, now at the age of 40, making him the oldest active player in the league. The NBA landscape is ever-changing, and with each trade and player movement, stories of friendship, loyalty, and heartbreak emerge, reminding fans of the human side of this competitive sport.
In the world of basketball, trades can signify new beginnings or the end of cherished chapters. For J.R. Smith, the trade from the Knicks to the Cavaliers was a moment filled with tears and reflection, marking not just a career shift but a poignant farewell to an era defined by camaraderie and shared dreams. As the NBA playoffs unfold, fans continue to witness the unfolding narratives that shape the lives of players, coaches, and teams, making every game a testament to the passion and unpredictability of professional basketball.
