Cavs Player Is Drawing Interest From Western Conference Contender

The Cleveland Cavaliers made an interesting trade early in the offseason.

Landing Lonzo Ball could provide a massive boost to the second unit, assuming he can stay healthy, which is obviously a big ‘if.’

Unfortunately, as we’ve seen so many times in the past, the team won’t be able to keep everybody for the long run.

That’s why Dean Wade might be a prime trade candidate this season.

According to a report by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs will most likely have to explore a trade with Wade, as they won’t have enough money to re-sign him once he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

He also reports that the Dallas Mavericks have been keeping tabs on him for the long run:

“It’s worth noting there was plenty of chatter in the desert about defense-first forward Dean Wade possibly being moved. An unrestricted free agent following the season, the current belief is Wade likely wouldn’t return, with cap-strapped Cleveland being unable to afford him. Sources say numerous contenders from each conference have expressed interest. The Dallas Mavericks have been fans for a few years, and a former Cleveland assistant is part of the coaching staff,” Fedor wrote.

Of course, losing a player of Wade’s caliber and, more importantly, with his skill set, would be a big hit.

He’s one of the few players on the team who’s big and long enough to match up with both forward spots and athletic wings.

He can also stretch the floor with his shooting.

Then again, the Cavs have also had to figure out a way to get by without him because of his injury woes, so they might like their chances of replacing him.

If Jaylon Tyson breaks out in his second season and embraces a bigger role as a 3-and-D wing, the Cavs will have an easier time moving on from Wade.

If not, they will miss him big time.