The Cleveland Cavaliers are sitting pretty at the top of the Eastern Conference with an impressive 34-6 record. And they’re not looking to mess with success.
The team’s incredible run has caught the attention of players around the league, with some actually telling their agents they want to play in Cleveland. Yes, you read that right – Cleveland has become a hot destination.
“Something interesting has happened this year with the Cavs,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed last week. “I’ve had multiple agents tell me that their players want to play in Cleveland.”
But here’s the thing: the Cavs aren’t exactly shopping for new talent.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report that while the team is politely listening to trade offers, they’re not eager to shake things up before the deadline. The chemistry under Coach Atkinson has been too good to risk.
That chemistry starts with their core four: Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. None of these stars are likely to be moved.
Why are players suddenly interested in Cleveland? Windhorst explains it’s a combination of things. Owner Dan Gilbert’s willingness to spend big money is one factor. But it’s mostly about how well the team is playing.
“That is an indication to me that they’re being well-received,” Windhorst said. “The way they’re playing is being well-received.”
The Cavs did hit a rough patch recently, taking their worst loss of the season in a 134-114 beating from the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was a stark contrast to their 129-122 victory over the same team just a few weeks earlier.
But one bad game isn’t likely to change their trade deadline strategy. When you’re playing this well, sometimes the best move is no move at all.
