The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing challenges as they navigate through the current NBA season, struggling to recapture the excellence they displayed last year when they topped the Eastern Conference in wins. The team is currently finding it difficult to establish a winning streak, prompting discussions about whether a change is necessary. However, some analysts argue against this notion, attributing the team’s struggles to a lack of continuity caused by injuries, including that of Max Strus, who is sidelined due to a Jones fracture in his foot. This perspective holds that if the Cavaliers can stay healthy, they could potentially approach last season’s form.
Despite this optimism around the core players, issues still linger, particularly regarding the impact of DeAndre Hunter and Lonzo Ball. Ball, who was acquired in a trade for Isaac Okoro, has been a major concern, underperforming with a shooting percentage of just 30.4% and averaging 5.0 points per game. While he maintains a positive +/- of +1.4, it falls short of his previous season’s average of +2.9 with the Chicago Bulls.
Isaac Okoro, whom the Cavs traded for Ball, had a significantly higher +/- of +4.6 last season, creating heightened expectations for Ball to match or exceed that output. Unfortunately, he has yet to deliver the expected impact, leading to speculation that the Cavaliers may consider trading the former second-overall pick from the 2017 NBA Draft.
Reports suggest the Cavaliers are open to trading Ball, especially given that his contract, worth $10 million for the current season with a club option for the next, might attract interest from other teams. By trading Ball, the Cavs could potentially acquire a player with a longer contract, providing the acquiring team with the option to void the final year of his deal.
Alongside potential trades, young players like Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter are stepping up, presenting the Cavs with options to move on from underperforming incumbents like Ball and Hunter. This could also aid the team in navigating the luxury tax threshold. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen’s current performances offer hope that, without drastic roster changes, the Cavaliers can still find their rhythm in the latter half of the season.
As the season progresses, the Cavaliers face critical decisions that could reshape their future and rejuvenate their campaign, fostering hope among fans that they can return to being a formidable contender in the league.