CLEVELAND -- Mateen Cleaves wasn't thrilled with his role of benchwarmer, cheerleader and occasional substitute for the Sacramento Kings.

He longed for a chance to show he could play. The Cleveland Cavaliers will give him one.

Cleaves was traded from Sacramento on Tuesday for small forward Jumaine Jones. The Cavaliers have been looking for a point guard since trading Andre Miller to the Los Angeles Clippers.

"I really feel like Cleveland wants me and that's a good feeling," Cleaves said.

After dealing Miller in July for forward Darius Miles, the Cavaliers were left with Bimbo Coles as their only true point guard.

Cleaves was buried on Sacramento's bench behind Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson. The Cavs hope the 25-year-old guard from Michigan State can ease their backcourt problems and jump-start his career.

"I think it's a perfect spot for me because Cleveland has an energetic, young, up-and-coming team with Miles, Ricky Davis and DaJuan Wagner, and I'm hungry to show people what I can do," Cleaves said. "I haven't felt this good since college."

Cleaves began his NBA career in Detroit -- about 70 miles from his hometown of Flint, Mich. -- after leading the Spartans to an NCAA title in 2000.

He averaged 5.4 points and 2.7 assists in 78 games as a rookie, but was traded to Sacramento before last season for guard Jon Barry and a first-round draft pick. Cleaves averaged 2.2 points in 32 games for the Kings.

The Cavs have other plans for Cleaves.

"We were looking to shore up our ball-handling positions," Cavs general manager Jim Paxson said. "He's a tough, competitive kid. He had a decent rookie year. He's got something to prove. He'll have an opportunity to earn minutes. We're not looking at him to be the starter."

Cleveland is looking to add another guard, and Paxson said the team has been talking with 36-year-old free agent Rod Strickland.

"We're having discussions, but nothing is imminent," Paxson said.

For now, the 6-foot-3 Cleaves gives the Cavs insurance at the point. Coles, a 12-year veteran, played just 33 games last season before knee surgery. Wagner played some point guard in college, but he's better suited at shooting guard.

Jones averaged 8.3 points and 6.0 rebounds in his first season with the Cavs, who acquired him along with forward Tyrone Hill in a five-player deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 6-foot-8 Jones will strengthen the Kings up front.

"He's a good athlete, which is where we wanted to get better," Kings coach Rick Adelman said. "We felt like we didn't need three point guards. This is going to add to our depth and flexibility."

Jones became expendable after the Cavs acquired Miles and re-signed Davis, a restricted free agent. They also have Lamond Murray at small forward.

"It was a numbers game," Paxson said. "Jumaine is still a viable NBA player."