The Cleveland Cavaliers, among other teams, had the extremely difficult roster decisions to make earlier today. Trimming a roster to 15 men can be a daunting and (at times) personal task for NBA general managers around the league.
As the 5:00 PM EST roster deadline drew near this evening, ESPN’s Chris Haynes reported that the Cavs had waived 6’6″ guard/forward Dahntay Jones in favor of their newly-aquired prospect, 6’6″ swing-man, DeAndre Liggins.
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Cleveland Cavaliers to waive veteran Dahntay Jones, league sources inform ESPN. DeAndre Liggins makes the squad.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2016
Jones appeared in just two games for the Cavaliers this preseason, averaging 4.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and one assist in his 20.5 minutes of playing time.
Most Cavs fans will remember the impact Jones had in Game 6 of last year’s NBA Finals. Just before halftime, Jones went on a personal 5-0 run for the Cavs against the Golden State Warriors – all while drawing two very crucial fouls on Warriors forward Draymond Green.
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Jones was signed at the end of the 2015-16 season. Despite being a veteran presence on the bench, it seems the Cavs were willing to part ways with the talented wing defender.
In keeping Liggins, the Cavs not only acquire a two-time D-League Defensive Player of the Year, but possibly a young player they could develop for the future. The Cavs roster now sits at the 15-player limit, with trade rumors still surrounding the team whose in pursuit of a point guard.
