Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly active in trade talks as deadline looms
cavaliers-active-in-trade-talks-ahead-of-deadline
With the NBA trade deadline two days away, the Cleveland Cavaliers are gauging the market in search of roster moves, according to multiple league sources cited by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst.
A rival front-office executive told the outlet that Cleveland is “active” in discussions, though the exact objective of those conversations remains unclear. “We’re not sure what they’re trying to set up —and they may not be either —but they’re active,” the executive said.
The Cavaliers are balancing several pressing issues. Star guard Donovan Mitchell has one guaranteed year left on his contract, and the club has yet to advance beyond the second round with him. At the same time, Cleveland carries the NBA’s highest payroll and is projected to remain above the second luxury-tax apron next season, a status that restricts incoming salary, prevents contract aggregation, and limits other transaction tools.
Despite those constraints, the front office is exploring ways to fortify a roster that has been hit by injuries and constant lineup changes. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has already deployed more than 20 different starting units this season, and last year’s primary five—Darius Garland, Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen—has yet to open a game together in 2023-24.
Names circulating around the league in connection with Cleveland include forward DeAndre Hunter, obtained by Atlanta at last season’s deadline, and guard Lonzo Ball, who owns a team option for 2024-25 with Chicago. Whether any talks progress into completed deals before Thursday’s cutoff remains to be seen.
Source: Hoops Wire
