After losing the 2017 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers were active in trade discussions in hopes of improving their roster for the 2017-18 NBA season. However, it was revealed then-general manager David Griffin would not be returning on Jun. 19 and Koby Altman was later named the team’s new general manager on Jul. 24.
During this time, not having an official general manager hurt the team. While the Cavaliers were linked with Paul George and Eric Bledsoe, they ultimately traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and 2018 Brooklyn Nets first round draft pick. According to Keith Britton of 92.3 The Fan, Griffin offered to help the team through the draft and trade process with an understanding he would not be returning:
If Raja Bell’s story is accurate, this is an interesting twist regarding Griffin’s departure. If the former general manager offered to help see it through, it creates a ‘what if’ situation about the Cavaliers potentially landing players like George and Bledsoe.
Since the starting lineup change, the Cavaliers have won three out of their last four games. However, when Cleveland lost seven out of their first 10 games month of January, there were multiple reports that emerged such as Irving threatening to sit out the entire season if he was not traded.
As the trade deadline approaches and LeBron James’ upcoming free agency, the reports will continue. With Kevin Love out eight weeks with a broken hand, it will be interesting to see what happens in the short- and long-term as the Cavaliers look to make their fourth consecutive NBA Finals appearance.