The Cleveland Cavaliers have not performed to their standards so far this season, and it’s hard to pinpoint one reason for their slippage. They have dealt with some injuries, but at the same time, they’re just not playing well. It’s not the time for them to completely blow up the team, but they could be looking to make improvements along the margins. Two players who have been in rumors is De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade, according to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.
“Should Hunter hit the trade block and the Cavs want to unload his salary, keep an eye on teams like the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks — all of whom are in need of more help on the wing,” Siegel wrote.
Hunter was inserted into the starting lineup this season with Max Strus still sidelined due to injury, but the move did not work out as planned. Head coach Kenny Atkinson recently took him out of the starting lineup in hopes of improving the team’s play.
Wade is the other player who has been in rumors, and there is one team that has their eye on him.
“Other than Hunter, another domino expected to fall for the Cavs before this year’s trade deadline is Dean Wade,” Siegel wrote. “Multiple teams called the Cavs this offseason before free agency began, inquiring about Wade’s availability, sources said. Among the teams with heavy interest in Wade, the Houston Rockets stood out as a prime suitor. This was, of course, before the Rockets signed Dorian Finney-Smith.
It’s good to know that the Cavs are willing to make moves, but they would also want some talent in return to help improve their team. Coby White was a name that they might have an interest in, and there were thoughts of them trying to replace Darius Garland with him.
It’s hard seeing that happen, especially with how Garland has played over the past few games.