The current changes happening in the Cleveland Cavaliers' front office could mean a change in plans before the approaching trade deadline. Prior to general manager Chris Grant being fired, the team was dangling Dion Waiters as the main trade bait. Several teams have taken interest in the young point guard. However, with a new regime taking over, Waiters is being told he is going nowhere.
Newly hired general manager David Griffin has reportedly told Waiters that he will be going nowhere before the trade deadline. NBA Insider Sam Amico reports that Griffin is encouraging player bonding and having fun rather than the stressful environment that was in place before with Grant. Both Kyrie Irving and Waiters have been told they are staying put for the remainder of the season.
A lot has been made about Waiters' future with the team. Sources have reported that his character issues have become a problem and his lack of chemistry with Irving is holding the Cavaliers back. Recently, Waiters admitted that he probably played a role in getting Grant fired. Amico reports that Waiters noted his lack of production on the court likely caused Grant to be let go.
Irving and Waiters are trying to work things out on the basketball court. The Cavaliers were hoping Waiters could be Irving's right-hand man, but the two have not figured out how to play next to one another. Head coach Mike Brown is confident the two players can figure things out with more time.
"I thought this was best for the team," Brown said, via Cleveland News-Herald. "Dion brings a lot to our second unit. A lot of times, he'll be on the floor at the end of the game. It doesn't matter who starts the game. How many minutes are you getting? How effective are you with both lineups? They've had some moments where they've played very well together on the floor. They are two young guys trying to figure out how to play the right way themselves, no matter who else is out on the floor. They are getting better learning how to play with each other."
The Boston Celtics are the latest to show some interest in Waiters. Just because the point guard got the vote of confidence from the new general manager means almost nothing. The Cavaliers are desperate to start getting some wins and if Boston makes a good offer, Waiters is gone. The New York Knicks have also been shopping around for a point guard. Waiters will not be cheap if he is even available at all.
