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Matthew Dellavedova Rumor: No Chance He’s Moved?

By Jared Mueller

Nov 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matthew Dellavedova is a polarizing figure around the league but Cleveland Cavaliers fans love him. Rumor has it so does another team.

Delly’s legacy might have been cemented in last year’s playoffs. His aggressive style got him the reputation as being dirty. “Hurting” Kyle Korver and “getting” Al Horford kicked out of a game really stuck with people.

(Somehow Kelly Olynyk has escaped this reputation. Also sad that I know how to spell his last name off the top of my head because of him injuring Kevin Love.)

Delly’s contributions to the Cavs this season have been even better. He is shooting great, 43% from three point range, and has increased his assists to almost 5 a game. He continues to play good defense and is a solidly built frame on his 6’4″ body.

Because of assumed offensive limitations, as well as his restricted status, Delly wasn’t pursued heavily in the offseason free agent period. Instead, Delly re-signed with the Cavs for one year and will be restricted again next season when the NBA Salary Cap is expected to spike.

Delly is solidly a core player for the Cavs backing up Kyrie Irving. The Cavs are far more likely to sign Delly to a decent sized deal next offseason than to trade him, yet rumor has it the Milwaukee Bucks are very interested in his services.

"According to Brian Windhorst on his radio show “Hey Windy”, the Bucks “would love” to get their hands on Matthew Dellavedova (the quote is around the 38 minute mark). As much as some fans might detest the Australian point guard, there’s certainly a chance his game fits very well in Milwaukee."

So, is it possible that the Cavs would have some interest in dealing their backup PG instead of trying to sign him to a long-term deal?

Unlikely!

But with Windy putting out that rumor, what could a 2 team deal between the Cavs and Bucks look like? (Yes there are various ways a 3 team deal could work but that can get a little overwhelming.)

First it is important to note that Delly is making peanuts by NBA standards, under $1.2 million . With the Salary Cap rules, the teams are very limited in what they can do straight up with Delly. They can make two separate trades that could allow things to work though.

First the teams could trade Delly and Sasha Kaun for Miles Plumlee. While Plumlee’s stats are not amazing, 3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game in less than 10 minutes a game, he would give the Cavs an inside presence with a lot of athleticism. He also is hitting 59% of his shots, mostly at close range and 73% from the free throw line, on very limited attempts.

Plumlee can become a restricted free agent next season, just like Delly.

Obviously, Plumlee is not enough to trade Delly away for. Then the two teams can work out a deal with the Cavs Traded Player Exception. The Cavs could trade for either O.J. Mayo or Jerryd Bayless to replace Delly in the backcourt. Mayo’s production has fallen off this season, especially his deep shot which is down to 29% while Bayless has had a good year, 10.5 PPG & 3.4 assists while shooting 44% from the field.

While Bayless and Plumlee would be very interesting for the Cavs, moving Delly for those two players by themselves would be a bad idea. This is where things get sticky. If the Bucks really want Delly, their 1st Round Draft pick would have to be in play. The Cavs could either keep that pick or move it on to bring in even more talent to their roster.

The Bucks are currently out of the Eastern Conference Playoff picture, currently 5.5 games back, and don’t look to be heading in the right direction with enough time. Trading a lottery pick, with a Top 3 protection likely, as well as two players for Delly doesn’t make sense for the Bucks.

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Trading a lottery pick, with a Top 3 protection likely, as well as two players for Delly doesn’t make sense for the Bucks.

Trading Delly, without that type of pick and player package in return, makes little sense for a Cavs team trying to win an NBA Title. Plumlee and Bayless would be nice additions but they wouldn’t make up for what was lost in moving Delly.

Matthew Dellavedova is unlikely to go anywhere. The one team reportedly wanting him would struggle to make a good deal happen anyways.

What do you make of the Bucks reported love for Delly?