The rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers have already made multiple deals in an effort to improve their roster, with the expectation being that more are on the way.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com was asked questions by Cavs fans on a variety of topics, including one on the level of aggressiveness that should be expected from the 7-23 team regarding trades. He responded:
“One of their primary goals this season was to acquire future assets. Rebuilding teams need cap flexibility, draft picks and young, controllable players on team-friendly deals. The Cavs don’t have enough so they will listen to — and make — offers that match.”
Yet the offers the Cavaliers have received thus far, including for those involving new acquisition Alec Burks, have largely been met with underwhelming results, according to Fedor:
“At this point, the Cavs haven’t been thrilled with the offers. The best thing about Burks is that not only does he have an expiring contract, but he can be a rotation player on a contending team as well. Those kinds of assets aren’t always easy to find. That gives him plenty of value.”
All NBA teams have until Feb. 7 to make a deal, with many teams in the Cavaliers’ position likely to be offering other players of value. The Cavaliers have some trade candidates that, like Burks, are on expiring contracts, or are have current contracts that seemingly lessen their value.
One player in the latter category is veteran J.R. Smith, who is still on the team despite the Cavs’ determined efforts to deal away the disgruntled guard. Smith is 33 years old, is being paid $14.72 million this season and is guaranteed $3.87 million for the 2019-20 season.
The Cavaliers are set to begin a three-game road trip on Tuesday night in Indianapolis, taking along a roster that could possibly see some changes by the time they return.
