5 teams that could steal Josh Richardson from the Pelicans

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Ever since they traded for Donovan Mitchell last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been trying to find a three-and-D wing to complement their young core. Neither Isaac Okoro nor Caris LeVert turned out to be an ideal fit, so Richardson could actually secure a starting spot in Cleveland. Considering his age compared to that of the four core players, this would be more of a short-term solution, but it could be very effective. Not only could it push the team to the next level, but it would also give them a playable veteran with playoff experience.

Richardson is not the on-ball defender Okoro is. But he is versatile and solid enough while also attracting defensive attention as a shooter that Okoro, Dean Wade, and Lamar Stevens did not. In fact, LeVert was the only player outside the core four to average double-digit scoring and the only small forward to play regular minutes and shoot better than Richardson in the regular season. Danny Green shot 44.8 percent, but he only played eight games after recovering from an ACL injury. So, it is painfully obvious that the Cavaliers need some extra firepower to stretch the floor and make the Evan Mobley-Jarrett Allen tandem work.

Financially, adding Richardson would be a rather good fit too. The Cavaliers’ non-taxpayer mid-level exception is about as much as he made in New Orleans and what he is probably looking for. That way, they could afford the much-needed reinforcements on the wing and resign LeVert as their sixth man.