The Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to move in a direction of winning. Owner Dan Gilbert hoped this was the year the team would finally break their postseason draught since the departure of LeBron James. However, things continue to go from bad to worse as off-the-court drama has prevented winning on the court. With general manager Chris Grant recently fired, trading Dion Waiters is now the top priority.
The firing of Grant signifies major changes coming once again to the Cavaliers. The team cannot seem to get their feet underneath them and they are hoping being active before the trade deadline at least gives them a little boost. Rumors have been swirling for months that Waiters will likely be the next Cavalier let go before the trade deadline if Cleveland can find the right deal.
Waiters has seen his playing time diminish in the midst of the trade rumors. While head coach Mike Brown stresses that is not because of trade speculation, Waiters admits it can be frustrating.
"It's our job at the end of the day,'' Waiters said, via Cleveland.com. "We've got to go to work. Sometimes you feel like, 'Why are we coming in?' But you come in to get better. Everything's not going to change overnight. As a team facing adversity and with a lot of BS that's in the media that's not true, we've got to stick together. The game can be so frustrating. You're mad for nothing.''
At this point Waiters just wants to play. Jaban Davis from Basketball Insiders writes the Cavaliers are trying to execute a trade as quickly as possible. They are aware several teams are in the market for a shooter to help with a late-season push for the playoffs. Cleveland can rule out the postseason right now, so getting rid of Waiters and likely load back up on draft picks.
So who could be interested? The Indiana Pacers are looking for a shooter. Bleacher Report notes the team wants one more shooter to add to their roster. The team was linked to Kyle Lowry a few weeks back but were unwilling to give up draft picks in return for him. Cleveland has not made it known what their demands are, but they could work something out.
The Chicago Bulls also remain an option. Tom Thibadeau told the Chicago Tribune the team needs to simply add players. The Bulls do not have a full roster at the moment and he simply wants players. However, Chicago is holding on to draft picks and stock for a big offseason this summer, they will not part with the needed pieces to get Waiters.
Cleveland is trying to keep Kyrie Irving happy so when they offer him a max contract, he takes it and does not consider departing like James did a few years back. That could start with a trade of Waiters.
