Cavs’ Smith wants out, asks Cleveland for trade

J.R. Smith has added another tier to the Cavaliers’ mounting troubles.

Dropped from the rotation and unhappy with his role on a team rebuilding through youth, Smith said Thursday that he wants to be traded. The enigmatic guard said he hasn’t formally requested a trade by Cleveland’s front office because the Cavs are already aware of his feelings.

“They know,” Smith said following shootaround. “They don’t want me, so they obviously know.”

The 33-year-old Smith said he was told earlier this season that the Cavs would be focused on playing their younger players to develop them for the future. Cleveland’s back to being an also-ran in the Eastern Conference following LeBron James’ departure this summer as a free agent.

Rockets coach Mark D’Antoni said he’s doubts GJames Harden, the reigning league MVP, will play Friday against the Nets but he expects him to be ready for Saturday’s game against the Bulls. Harden missed the last two games with a Grade 1-plus left hamstring strain.