Editor’s Note: This piece was published before some transactions took place on Trade Deadline Day, and as such certain players mentioned may play for different teams and may or may not be candidates for contract buyouts.
The Cleveland Cavaliers currently sit in 4th place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 34-22. As the trade deadline approaches, many fans have speculated on any potential moves Koby Altman and the Cavs front office might make to improve the team for a playoff push in the off-season.
With their core four starters in Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen it makes sense that Koby Altman is not looking to alter their roster too much. However, there are still adjustments this team can make, especially when it comes to the missing piece of their starting lineup.
The Cleveland Cavaliers could make an addition this season.
At the current moment, many fans across social media are banging the proverbial drum of adding a new starting-caliber 3&D wing to the lineup. However, this contributor believes Isaac Okoro has started to come into his own within the last few games for the Cavs. If Okoro can continue to play at his current pace, the Cavs’ front office might be able to hold off on moving the chips in another big move for a wing before the deadline. Especially considering the Cavs already pulled off their big move in the offseason for their four-time NBA All-Star, Donovan Mitchell.
However, rather than adding a starting caliber 3-and-D wing to the lineup, the Cavs would benefit tremendously from bolstering their bench and bringing in some more depth to the team. Cleveland’s bench has not been performing up to the expectations people had set for them. With Ricky Rubio still kicking off the rust from his injury, and Kevin Love hitting a slump in recent months, the Cavs could use some juice. If the Cavs are looking to improve their depth, they could look to some potential buyout candidates around the league that could contribute immediately to this team.
Teams across the league have been mentioned in various trade scenarios. With so many teams at crossroads this season, it appears quite a few players have been discussed as possible buyout candidates. Depending on the cost, the Cavs should certainly keep their minds open to the possibility of adjusting their roster both prior to and after the trade deadline. Here we will look at three potential buyout candidates the Cavs should be inclined to show interest in.