Cleveland Cavaliers: The trade deadline departures.
The trade deadline proved very beneficial for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they reshaped almost their whole roster. As we stand excited for what the new-look Cavs have to bring, we must remember the ones who were traded- the departures.
I think I can speak for all of Cleveland when I say, Koby Altman, did one hell of a job. The Cleveland Cavaliers literally stole all of the headlines at the trade deadline. The Cavs rookie GM traded not one, not two, not three, not four, (I think you know where I’m going with this), but six players at the deadline.
Altman’s intentions were clear the very instant the first trade was complete. He wanted the Cavaliers to become younger, more athletic, and more energetic. In addition, he wanted ego-less players that were hungry to win. All in all, Altman wanted to alter the whole atmosphere and culture that was destroying the Cavs. And that’s what he did.
Altman executed three trades, sending out six players, and bringing in four. Among the players brought in were Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., George Hill, and Rodney Hood. All ego-less, young, hungry, and athletic.
Koby Altman stated in an interview “We want fountains, not drains.” Needless to say, it appears Altman succeeded in his mission.
Throughout the deadline, Altman sent out six “drains”, arguably outside of Channing Frye. In addition to Frye; Isaiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade, Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose, and Iman Shumpert all departed from the team.
Short or long, let us remember their careers in Cleveland.