Central Division Roundup: Wade’s Defensive Spark, Bulls’ Summer Priorities, Malone Out, Pacers’ Center Bet Re-examined
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The Cleveland Cavaliers briefly weighed a lineup adjustment after dropping the first two games of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against Detroit, but head coach Kenny Atkinson ultimately kept forward Dean Wade in the opening five alongside Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Wade, 29, has validated that decision with strong defense on All-Star guard Cade Cunningham. NBA matchup tracking shows Cunningham produced five points, two assists, and four turnovers on 2-for-8 shooting when guarded by Wade over Games 3 and 4 in Cleveland. Atkinson praised the 6-foot-9 wing after Monday’s victory, saying Wade “took his defense to another level.”
No Cavalier owns a higher postseason net rating than Wade; Cleveland is plus-10.6 points per 100 possessions in his 262 playoff minutes and minus-10.2 in the 271 minutes he has sat. “All the lineups with Dean, we rebound better and we defend better,” Atkinson added. Wade will enter unrestricted free agency this summer.
Bulls Face Extensive Roster Work
Chicago’s offseason outlook features significant roster decisions, Spotrac’s Keith Smith writes. Rookie forward Matas Buzelis appears to be the club’s lone clear long-term building block, and Smith suggests using cap space to absorb unwanted contracts attached to draft picks or prospects. He notes a sign-and-trade could be a safer route than an offer sheet if the Bulls pursue a restricted free agent.
Separately, the Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe reports on Chicago’s options with the No. 4 and No. 15 selections in next month’s draft. Poe also reveals that newly hired executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham has dismissed Windy City Bulls general manager Josh Malone, marking his first personnel move.
Pacers’ Zubac Trade Scrutinized
One year after Indiana surrendered a package that ultimately included the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft to acquire center Ivica Zubac, The Athletic’s Jay King questions whether the Pacers moved too aggressively to fill their void in the middle. Although the club reached the 2025 NBA Finals, King notes that a return trip is uncertain, particularly with All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton working back from a torn Achilles—an injury that often challenges a full recovery.
Source: Hoops Rumors
