The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of their best stretch of the season. But all eyes remain on the upcoming trade deadline.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says he believes the Cavs have been active and there’s a decent chance they’ll make a move.
“I think there’s a decent chance the Cavs do something, they have been very active in calls… I think they’ve considered making a home run swing, I think they’ve looked for ways to shave off money.”
Windhorst also mentioned that he “does not want to get aggregated
here.”
Sorry, Windy. We couldn’t resist.
It’s worth acknowledging how hamstrung the Cavaliers are by their financial situation. The second apron prevents them from taking back more money than they send out—and from combining player salaries in any trade unless that trade puts them below the second apron (of which they are currently $22 million over the limit).
Put simply, the Cavs either have to make a 1-for-1 swap (unlikely) or dump $22 million of salary while also matching the salary of whoever they trade for.
Let’s look at Giannis Antetokounmpo as an example. He’s making $54 million dollars this season. Add that salary to the previous $22 million figure, and the Cavs have to send out at least $76 million just to absorb Antetokounmpo’s contract and duck the second apron.
That’s a tall order for any team. Especially a Cavalier team that’s currently on a five-game winning streak and just hitting its stride. Gutting the roster, even for a player of Antetokounmpo’s status, is a difficult decision to make.
Still, Windy says anything is possible for the Cavs.
“Why not?” Windhorst said in response to whether or not the Cavs could get Giannis. “There are trade scenarios that could make it happen. Do I think they are a serious contender? No. But it’s not impossible.”
Now that we’ve unpacked everything, I’d say it sounds unlikely the Cavs make a homerun swing. But Koby Altman and the front office are doing their due diligence and weighing all of their options. This isn’t a team that’s sitting on its hands and accepting fate. If they stay put at the deadline, it’s not for a lack of trying. The Cavs are listening to offers.
“Just trust that if there’s a star player out there, the Cavs have had a discussion about it,” Windhorst said.
