The Cleveland Cavaliers came into the offseason needing to make some minor adjustments to the rotation. After the Indiana Pacers eliminated them in the second round of the playoffs, Kenny Atkinson’s team clearly needed more strength in depth.
Koby Altman responded by flipping Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball and adding Larry Nance Jr. However, in recent weeks, reports have also mentioned Dean Wade in trade rumors.
During a July 25 livestream for Bleacher Report, NBA Insider Jake Fischer provided an update on Wade’s future. He admitted that he “doesn’t anticipate” the defensive-minded forward being traded.
“There’s definitely been conversations about Dean Wade this summer,” Fischer said. “I mean, he’s someone that I think a lot of teams look at as an easy, low-cost, plug-and-play, multiple positional defender, but I think a lot of the Dean Wade conversation was more back when the Cavs were looking at the deal that turned into Lonzo Ball. I think the Cavs were looking at either one of Isaac Okoro or Dean Wade heading out the door at one point in time, and they turned Isaac Okoro into Lonzo Ball.”
Fischer continued.
“So, I have not admittedly checked in on the Dean Wade trade market up to this minute, but the last I heard was that it was kind of a one or the other situation of Cleveland trading out one of those players and I’m not sitting here anticipating a Dean Wade trade anytime soon.”
Wade played in 59 games for the Cavaliers last season. He averaged 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists, while shooting 41.3% from the field and 36% from deep.
Dallas Reportedly Interested in Wade
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Dallas Mavericks reportedly want to acquire Wade.
“It’s worth noting there was plenty of chatter in the desert about defense-first forward Dean Wade possibly being moved,” Fedor reported. “An unrestricted free agent following the season, the current belief is Wade likely wouldn’t return, with cap-strapped Cleveland being unable to afford him. So, do the Cavs try to get something of value now before he potentially departs? Sources say numerous contenders from each conference have expressed interest. The Dallas Mavericks have been fans for a few years, and a former Cleveland assistant is part of the coaching staff.”
Whether Dallas can produce a viable trade package to bring Altman to the negotiating table remains to be seen. However, if trading Wade can help bring in some fresh talent, Altman could be willing to hear what the Mavericks have to say.
Cavaliers Executive Excited by New Additions
Recently, a member of the Cavaliers front office spoke to Keith Smith of Spotrac to share their excitement at the new additions.
“It’s hard being a second apron team, but we think we did well to add some talent,” The front office member said. “Thrilled to bring Sam Merrill back. We value his shooting so much. Lonzo (Ball) is really going to help us. He gives us more size and defense in the backcourt, and his passing will be so great for all of our guys.”
Cleveland will now head into the 2025-26 season among the favorites in the Eastern Conference. They will face competition from the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks and potentially the Philadelphia 76ers. Nevertheless, the additional strength in depth may give the Cavaliers a much-needed edge.
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