The Cleveland Cavaliers just got Evan Mobley back, but they have now lost another key contributor.
Combo forward Dean Wade has missed the past couple of games with a knee injury.
Now, a report by Tom Withers of AP states that it could be a significant ailment.
No timetable, but Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson indicates Dean Wade could be out for a bit.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) January 27, 2025
Apparently, coach Kenny Atkinson reported that there was no timetable for his return.
Wade is coping with a bone bruise in his knee, and he will be re-evaluated in a few weeks.
It’s safe to assume that he won’t be back on the floor before the All-Star break, at the very least.
With him on the shelf, Atkinson will most likely turn to former Miami Heat G/F Max Strus as his starting small forward.
Strus is a solid three-point shooter and a seamless fit for Atkinson’s free-flowing offense.
He’s also a better defender than people credit him for, although not as good and versatile as Wade.
Wade’s long arms allow him to compete effectively against both forward positions and even some larger players.
Although he may not appear to be the most agile player on the court, his lateral quickness provides him with a significant advantage on the defensive end.
The trade deadline is closing in.
The Cavs are reportedly keeping tabs on Brooklyn Nets F Cam Johnson.
With Wade now out and no timetable for his return, they might want to revive those trade talks and finalize a deal before this impacts their defense.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Gets Honest About Going Through 82-Game Season
