Cavs’ uneven start draws trade inquiries from rival teams
cavs-uneven-start-draws-trade-inquiries-from-rival-teams
Twenty-nine games into the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers sit at 15-14 and are fielding calls from other franchises gauging whether the club is willing to alter its core, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Expectations were high after last year’s 64-win campaign, but the team is hovering near the Eastern Conference play-in line. League sources told Fedor that multiple front offices have approached Cleveland to ask, “What’s your appetite for breaking this up?”
Injuries have compounded the slow start. Forward Evan Mobley is expected to miss several more weeks with a calf strain, while Max Strus and Sam Merrill remain sidelined. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell sat out Friday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Mitchell is averaging more than 30 points and has carried the offense most nights, yet the margin for error remains slim even when he plays. Mobley has been productive when available but has not provided a major offensive lift, and his absence underscores the group’s dependence on Mitchell.
Point guard Darius Garland’s play has been inconsistent since returning from injury, though he posted 35 points against Chicago. Center Jarrett Allen has delivered steady but quiet contributions, and DeAndre Hunter’s role continues to fluctuate. The team’s “Core Four” has logged limited minutes together, and the on-court fit has yet to click.
Cleveland has not signaled an intention to dismantle its roster, but with inquiries arriving and wins hard to stack, executives around the NBA are expected to keep dialing.
Source: Hoops Wire
