The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a hefty luxury tax bill next season. According to Spotrac, the Eastern Conference contenders could be on the hook for an estimated $141 million.
As such, Koby Altman could be looking for ways to reduce the current payroll. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Cleveland has placed Dean Wade on the trade block. The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly interested in the defensive-minded forward.
“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.”
Wade, 28, played in 59 games for Kenny Atkinson’s team last season. He averaged 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists, shooting 41.3% from the field and 36% from deep. The 6-foot-9 forward will be entering his seventh season with the Cavaliers once the new campaign gets underway.
Donovan Mitchell Sends Message to Cavaliers Star
During a recent interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Donovan Mitchell shared his hopes for Evan Mobley in the coming season. Mitchell wants the emerging star to be more dominant on the floor and demanding of his teammates.
“My push to Ev is that I need 20 shots. But he has to go and say that, like ‘Give me the ball’, like being able to demand,” Mitchell said. “For us to be great, he has to continue to take a step…So I tell him like ‘Nah, we need more’. Demand it. If I don’t pass you the ball, get on my a**… And be okay with that..He’s ready for it, he’s excited for it.”
Mobley, 24, is slowly emerging as one of the best players in the NBA. If he can continue his ascension, it won’t be long until he’s the best player on the Cavaliers roster, if not among the best in the NBA.
Cavaliers HC Wants Mobley to Win MVP
During an interview on the broadcast of the Cavaliers’ Summer League game against the Indiana Pacers, Atkinson shared his lofty expectations for Mobley in the coming years.
“I don’t want to put pressure on him, but in the next 2-3 years, he should be in the MVP conversation,” Atkinson said.
Mobley has tremendous upside. He can easily emerge as a top-5 or top-10 player in the NBA. With each passing season, his importance to Cleveland’s rotation continues to grow. That’s likely why Altman is willing to part with Wade, who has been a key member of the bench rotation. Because, at his young age, Mobley can eat for some additional minutes. And, a veteran forward can help fill the void.
Cleveland’s goal is undoubtedly to win a championship. However, Dan Gilbert is unlikely to want such high luxury tax bills, and that’s where things get interesting.
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