Injuries have been a part of Kyrie Irving's history. The most recent left him out of playing in the NBA Finals. However, with Irving on the bench the rise of Matthew Dellavedova took over the headlines. The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard proved that he was a viable option to take over as a starter if need be and now he wants to get rewarded with his next contract. With the Cavaliers strapped for cash, but the market dwindling in terms of help, will the team be forced to given in to his demands?
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Dellavedova is currently looking for a multi-year contract that will pay him $4 million per season. Last year, Dellavedova played on a salary of $800,000 and now he wants a major upgrade after going from zero to hero in the playoffs. Sure the pay raise would be a nice way of thanking the point guard, but the Cavaliers simply cannot afford to pay Dellavedova that money considering the luxury tax issues they are already facing while JR Smith and Tristan Thompson still need money. $2 million might be the most reasonable deal Dellavedova can earn, but Cleveland could start feeling the pressure with few options left available.
NBA sources had the Cavaliers linked to Pablo Prigioni after his release from the Denver Nuggets. The point guard would have been an affordable yet effective option for Cleveland if they could not get Dellavedova re-signed. However, ESPN's Shams Charania via RealGM.com is reporting the Los Angeles Clippers are bringing on the veteran point guard leaving the Cavaliers empty handed.
If Cleveland is feeling pressured with the lack of progress with Dellavedova, they could aim to make a trade. Currently searching to get rid of Brendan Haywood, the Cavaliers could easily try and offer up the center for point guard help. With his contract being non-guaranteed before August, any team can simply release him and help their salary cap space. The Miami Heat are the likely target as the Miami Herald reports they are offering up Mario Chalmers and Shabazz Napier in hopes of getting some pay roll relief. However, LeBron James might not be the biggest fan of that move. James and Chalmers had a well-documented falling out with the Heat while Napier found himself in hot water after reportedly unfollowing the former MVP on Twitter after his move to Cleveland.
The Cavaliers do not have many options around them at the moment and they still have holes on the roster. Mo Williams is a quality backup, but not enough for the long run. Dellavedova certainly fits the bill as the best option, but he most lower his demands to make it happen.