The Cleveland Cavaliers met their downfall last season thanks to injuries. While the team did make it all the way to the NBA Finals, the loss of both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were simply too much to overcome. The result was taking a loss to the Golden State Warriors. Aiming for different results this time around, Love is expected to be healthy come Opening Night for the Cavaliers, but Irving's debut with the team could take some time. Will that force Cleveland to eye other options?
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the return of Irving might not happen until January leaving a big hole for the Cavaliers. Irving suffered a fractured kneecap in a "freak play" which led to season-ending surgery during the playoffs. His rehab is reportedly going well, but the Cavaliers intend on being as slow as possible with his return in order to make sure he is truly healthy.
The question is whether or not Cleveland has enough help in place to hold the team down during the point guard's time away. The Cavaliers re-signed Matthew Dellavedova to his qualifying offer. The backup certainly made a name for himself in the playoffs, but there is a question of whether or not that can be sustained. Mo Williams also signed in the offense, but he is expected to play a small role. Could a trade be in the works?
The New York Knicks and team president Phil Jackson would love to trade Jose Calderon. According to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com, a trade for Calderon is not imminent, but the Knicks would not turn it down should an offer be placed on the table. Calderon's name has been brought up in a number of deals this offseason as Jackson made it clear that he attempted to shop the veteran for better options and failed.
There is no evidence that the Cavaliers would take on Calderon, but if Dellavedova struggles as a young player, the veteran is the better option. Calderon is aware his 2014-15 season was a disappointment, but the point guard still has talent and a great shot. He could be a solid asset to the Cavaliers with Irving's injury history.
Calderon has also been mentioned in deals for Jamal Crawford. The Los Angeles Clippers are seeking to deal the former Sixth Man and the Knicks are interested according to the New Daily News. Calderon would be the likely trade target for that deal to take place. The Knicks have also been shopping the point guard for a better point guard. According to international basketball site Sportando, the Knicks are interested in Ricky Rubio if he becomes available mid-season. Rubio would be the franchise point guard New York has been looking for.
Heading into the season, it is expected that Calderon remains on the roster. His name will pop up in every trade deal possible as the Knicks eye better options. Come the mid-season deadline, those rumors will heat up and Calderon could be headed elsewhere.
