Report: Cavs ‘Perfectly Positioned’ to Make Waiver Claim

As a rebuilding franchise, the Cleveland Cavaliers are continually in search of players who can improve the team.

Use of the waiver wire is a key part of this process, with one new report indicating that the Cavs are in prime position to make a waiver claim.

With the 2019-20 NBA season set to begin on Tuesday night, teams are tweaking their rosters to begin the lengthy regular season journey. That means younger players who haven’t had a full opportunity to show what they can do could be on the market.

Players in this category could be from stronger teams that already have enough depth and don’t have time to concern themselves with player development.

Just a few years ago, the process of letting young and unproven players go was an annual situation for a Cavs team that was zeroed in on competing for an NBA title.

The fact that the Cavs are currently under the luxury tax is also a drastic change from their recent glory years. Of course, that added expense had the ultimate payoff in 2016, when the Cavaliers captured their first and only NBA title.

Pre-deadline trades for future assets could open up additional roster spots, depending on how the season progresses for the Cavs. Those deals could also be based on how successful the team is in negotiating possible contract extensions for players such as Jordan Clarkson and Tristan Thompson.

Unfortunately, the reality is that the Cavaliers are likely looking at another poor season. Whether or not that translates into a season like last year in which they finished with a 19-63 record remains to be seen.