The deadline for NBA trades is here and gone. For the second consecutive season, the Cleveland Cavaliers held pat after that. They took no action at all. Nope, not even a small substitution made by other playoff candidates to the bench. The front office conveyed their confidence in the team as it now stands.
These are the actual facts. Whether or not keeping silent was the best course of action for the team’s performance is the subjective aspect of this.
The Cavaliers made the proper choice in staying put at the deadline when considering the players that were moved, how the deadline played out across the league, and the guys that Cleveland already had.
Throughout the day, there wasn’t much trade talk about the Cavaliers. The one true rumour that persisted was that the Cavs were keeping an eye on Royce O’Neale’s circumstances in Brooklyn and were prepared to part with Dean Wade and a few second-round selections in order to acquire him. In just thirty minutes, O’Neale was dealt to the Phoenix Suns.
There was a perception that the Cavaliers would pursue a three-and-D wing if they made any moves at all. Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro, on the other hand, have proven to be capable players who can stop a corner three and belong on a serious defensive team.
In relation to threes, Sam Merrill has demonstrated during the past week that his recent hot streak was not an anomaly. When the Cavs are on the attack, he is posing a real threat from three points and is making teams rush after him.
Of course, having a second big man or backup point guard would have been helpful. But would it be worth sacrificing priceless possessions to obtain them? Most likely not.
The initial quartet is decided. The Cavaliers can use their lineups to their advantage, depending on the team they are playing for. This is made possible by Okoro, Wade, and Merrill. Oh, and let’s not forget about Caris LeVert, a strong candidate for six-man of the year, and veteran big man Georges Niang, who is having a career year.
The Cavaliers have won 20 of their last 24 games despite missing two important players due to reacclimatization. Cleveland is talented enough to compete in the playoffs. That is now their responsibility.
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