The Cleveland Cavaliers stood by and watched the trade deadline pass without making a move, but look to be one of the biggest winners of the day.
Deron Williams was waived by the Dallas Mavericks following the deadline, and the Cavaliers are poised to sign the free agent, three time All-Star.
Cleveland’s newest sharpshooter, Kyle Korver, shared the floor with Williams in the early stages in his career with the Utah Jazz. It’s because of that past relationship, that we may see Williams in wine and gold sooner rather than later.
“He wants to be a part of an opportunity to win a championship,” Korver said of Williams on Saturday. “And just being here the whole time I’ve been here, and just seeing where there are some of the holes, or not holes, but where we can be better and knowing who he is and his skill set, I think it’s an incredible fit.”
“He’s a guy that can play with the ball, he can play off the ball. He’s a good shooter, he’s a smart player. He can switch on defense, he’s a bigger body. I just think he’s a really good fit all around.”
The 32-year-old Williams has started 40 games for the Mavericks this season, putting up nightly averages of 13.1 points and 6.9 assists. If Korver’s convincing does the trick, the Cavs will boast that ability off the bench, backing up Kyrie Irving.
“The locker room is amazing,” Korver said. “I think you’re always wondering about that in the back of your mind. Just tried to tell him that these guys are great and they’re welcoming. You’re going to have no problem fitting in.”
Korver and Williams were teammates in Utah from 2007-10, a factor that will surely make the transition period easier on the former third overall pick.
