TITLE: Dan Gilbert grows restless with Cavaliers’ uneven start and record payroll
SLUG: dan-gilbert-unhappy-cavs-slow-start
CONTENT:
Owner Dan Gilbert is becoming increasingly displeased with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ early-season struggles and has begun taking a more active role in day-to-day matters, according to remarks by reporter Chris Fedor on the “Wine and Gold Talk” podcast.
Fedor said two sources “very close to the situation” describe Gilbert as “very unhappy” after the Cavaliers dropped eight of their past 11 games. Fans have booed the team in four of the last five contests at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and Cleveland has frequently fallen behind by double digits, leading for just one minute in second-half play during those recent games, Fedor noted.
Record payroll heightens pressure
Gilbert’s frustration is compounded by the franchise’s financial commitment. Cleveland carries the NBA’s highest payroll and is the league’s only club operating in the new second apron. Spotrac projects nearly $164 million in luxury-tax penalties for a roster that sits at 15-14, clinging to an Eastern Conference play-in position.
The owner has historically accepted steep tax bills when confident the roster could contend, but the current results lag well behind last season’s 64-18 finish. Cleveland’s 2022-23 campaign ended with a second-round playoff exit, after which the front office largely kept the core intact.
Injuries and looming deadline
Team officials point to pending returns for injured players Evan Mobley, Max Strus and Sam Merrill as reasons for optimism. Still, Fedor reported that Gilbert’s increasing hands-on approach bears watching as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches.
The clock, Fedor said, is ticking on Cleveland to resemble the contender many predicted before the season began.
Source: Hoops Wire
