Dan Gilbert is not happy. Once again, the Cleveland Cavaliers miss the postseason and must settle for ending their season in the coming week. The team will end likely finish in tenth behind the New York Knicks and be on the outside looking in during the postseason. So what do the Cavaliers do to hopefully place themselves on a path for success in 2014? According to Gilbert, a roster shakeup is in the works.
The Cavaliers attempted to be very active during the season trade deadline, but it failed to yield success. After acquiring Luol Deng and trading away younger pieces, the Cavaliers still did not make ground in the standings and will hopefully try a better approach this offseason. Gilbert has already predicted blockbuster trades in the team's future.
According to Sam Amico of FOXSports.com, Gilbert is not happy with the ending to this season after the Cavaliers failed to qualify for the postseason for the fourth straight year. NBA sources report that while Cavaliers will explore new general manager options, they will pull off a major trade this offseason no matter who is in the position.
This report can be interpreted in many ways. Fans might be quick to believe that Waiters will be the first player out when trading begins. The point guard faced trade rumors for most of the season, but the Cavaliers failed to make a deal, confident in his ability to pair well with Kyrie Irving. That has not come to fruition and on the market, Waiters would likely command a worthy return. Many believe Waiters could garner a top draft pick and player which could be of interest to Cleveland.
While Waiters is an easy target for trade talk, Irving is not immune to it either. The guard has been toying with fans about his upcoming contract issues. Irving is eligible for an extension this offseason. According to The Morning Journal's Bob Finnan, the Cavaliers are prepared to offer a five-year, $80 million deal on July 1. However, does Irving sign it or does he risk money and await free agency to depart. He has failed to commit to the future leaving the Cavaliers to consider a trade sooner rather than later.
What is the likelihood Irving is dealt? Slim to none. He is the factor that will attract others to sign with the Cavaliers. Cleveland is not in a good position when it comes to the lottery which will force them to explore deals. Waiters will go before Irving, but if Cleveland struggles with free agents, an Irving might not be too crazy to think about.