CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the ever-evolving landscape of NBA trade rumors, the Cavs appear to be taking a measured approach to the upcoming trade deadline.
Rather than swinging for a blockbuster deal, the Wine and Gold are focused on incremental improvements to strengthen their rotation.
Cleveland.com Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor revealed on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast that several specific names have emerged as potential targets.
“Some guys that I’ve heard that could make sense for the Cavs. Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings, Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks, again, a team that looks like they want some salary cap relief. Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks could probably be had,” Fedor said, outlining options that align with the Cavs’ trade assets.
The conversation around potential moves centers on what Cleveland might be willing to part with.
“I’m still of the belief that Lonzo’s probably the most likely to go,” Fedor stated, noting Ball’s team option for next season makes him an attractive piece for teams seeking financial flexibility.
Beyond Ball, De’Andre Hunter and Dean Wade have also been mentioned in trade circles. Hunter, who has struggled to find his footing in Cleveland, could be primed for a 2-for-1 deal, while Wade’s expiring contract provides value to teams looking to clear cap space.
“I think the first thing, there are a lot of teams around the NBA that are looking for salary cap relief. Either they’re in the first apron and they want out of it. Either they’re in the tax and they want out of it or they’re very, very close to the tax and they want a little bit more salary cap flexibility moving forward. So I do think from that standpoint, Dean Wade makes sense. He’s an expiring contract. I also think from that standpoint, Lonzo Ball makes sense because he has a contract that has a team option for next year,” Fedor explained.
What’s clear is that the Cavaliers aren’t positioning themselves for a dramatic roster overhaul. Instead, they’re looking at what Fedor describes as “moves around the margins” to bolster their seventh or eighth rotation spot.
The challenge, however, lies in a market where even struggling teams are reluctant to part with valuable players.
Fedor expressed frustration with teams like New Orleans, who despite their poor record, have labeled multiple players as untouchable.
“It’s perplexing to me that you have this 10-win team that is going nowhere, whose first-round draft pick is headed to Atlanta, and a 10-win team is labeling three or four different guys as untouchable. What world are we in?” Fedor questioned.
Beyond the names already mentioned, Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans has also emerged as a potential fit for Cleveland. While the Pelicans have shown reluctance to move key wings like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, Alvarado could be more attainable.
As the February 5 deadline approaches, the Cavs’ strategy appears focused on targeted improvements rather than wholesale changes. Whether they can navigate a seller’s market to find the right piece remains to be seen, but the front office is clearly active in discussions to strengthen their playoff push.
Here’s the podcast for this week: