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Jared Cunningham’s Roster Spot Secure?

By Jared Mueller

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Jared Cunningham is the lone Cleveland Cavaliers player with a non-guaranteed contract. Is his roster spot secure now?

At the end of Training Camp the Cavs chose Cunningham over Austin Daye and Quinn Cook for the team’s final roster spot. At different times during the preseason it looked like Cook or Daye would actually secure that spot. Injuries to the Cavs starting backcourt and Cunningham’s defense, speed, quickness and ability to draw fouls won out over the over two.

However, Other Jared (since my name is Jared and I’ve been covering the team for over 5 years I have called Cunningham Other Jared on Twitter for awhile now) is the only player on the Cavs roster that can be waived without the Cavs having to pay him anymore money. Most assumed that would happen as the Cavs try to keep flexibility around the NBA Trade Deadline.

The Cavs have until January 10th to decide whether they should keep the young SG/SF around or release him and open up a roster spot. If he is still on the roster at that point, his contract becomes guaranteed. The NBA Trade Deadline isn’t until February 18th.

The Cavs could make a trade, like they did last year, between now and Other Jared’s deadline. Last year’s deal(s) for Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Timofey Mozgov early in January. Trade talks tends to start after December 15th with two full months before the Trade Deadline.

So is Cunningham’s roster spot secure? Will he have a guaranteed contract? Time for a little Pros and Cons list:

Pros (Reasons he will be on the team this whole season)

  • LeBron James has taken him under his wing as a mentor and reportedly really likes Cunningham.
  • His speed and quickness on the defensive end could be very helpful against the Golden State Warriors.
  • On offense he has a clear skill: He can get penetration and draw fouls.
  • HC David Blatt played him 35 minutes off the bench last night in a close game.
  • Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert and Mo Williams have all dealt with injuries this season.
  • Dan Gilbert may not want to add more salary in trades, by using TPEs to bring in more salary.
  • GM David Griffin may value continuity over a slight upgrade in talent.
  • He has a great name, even if he is the Other Jared.

Cons (Reasons he will not be on the the team this whole season)

  • Shumpert replaces, at a higher level, much of what Cunningham does.
  • The Cavs may need more frontcourt help, with Timofey Mozgov struggling, than backcourt once everyone is healthy.
  • Griff has been an aggressive trader and will likely need either the roster spot or to use Cunningham to make a deal.
  • There is a reason or reasons that Cunningham was a free agent all offseason without a guaranteed deal.
    • To be fair, he didn’t get much chance in his first few season in the league.
  • Cunningham’s lack of outside shooting makes him unlikely to see the floor during important minutes in the NBA Playoffs.
  • The Cavs have two TPEs to possibly add talent to their roster.
  • Cunningham could have value to another team in a trade.
  • Other Jared struggles finishing at the rim off his great penetration.
  • Joe Harris’ contract is guaranteed.

More from King James Gospel

Based on everything we know, Cunningham can’t get comfortable. While LBJ might have taken a liking to him, winning is far more important to James. The Cavs are likely to be aggressive but will likely try to make a move before Cunningham’s January 10th deadline. They are unlikely to cut him with only the hope of making a move. Cunningham is far more valuable than that and has greatly impressed this year for the Cavs.

Do you think (Other) Jared Cunningham makes it through the whole season with the Cavs?