Cavs Eyeing Subtle Trade Deadline Moves to Sharpen Rotation, Not Shake It Up
As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Cleveland Cavaliers are playing it cool - and smart. Instead of chasing a blockbuster deal that could throw off their chemistry, the Cavs are focused on something more nuanced: tightening up the rotation and making calculated tweaks around the edges.
This isn’t about headline-grabbing trades. It’s about finding the right piece to solidify the seventh or eighth spot in the rotation - a move that could pay dividends come playoff time.
Who’s on Cleveland’s Radar?
A few names have started to surface as potential fits for Cleveland’s needs. Among them: Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings, Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks, and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Ellis brings defensive versatility and energy - the kind of under-the-radar wing who could thrive in a system like Cleveland’s. Marshall, meanwhile, is a rugged, switchable forward who could be available as Dallas looks to ease its cap situation. And Portis, a proven playoff contributor, might be gettable if Milwaukee decides to retool its bench depth or shift financial priorities.
These are the types of players who won’t dominate headlines but could quietly elevate a contender’s second unit.
Who Might Be on the Move?
If the Cavs are looking to add, the natural question becomes: who are they willing to part with?
Lonzo Ball appears to be the most likely trade chip. His contract includes a team option for next season, which makes him an appealing asset for teams seeking flexibility. Whether he’s a long-term fit in Cleveland has always been a question, and the front office could leverage his contract structure to bring in a more immediate contributor.
De’Andre Hunter is another name floating in trade talks. He’s struggled to find a consistent rhythm in Cleveland, and a 2-for-1 deal could be a way to re-balance the roster. Dean Wade, with his expiring contract, also holds value - especially for teams looking to clear cap space or avoid the luxury tax.
It’s worth noting that across the league, a lot of front offices are trying to get under the tax or out of the dreaded first apron. That makes players like Wade and Ball - who offer flexibility without long-term financial commitments - valuable in more ways than one.
A Tight Market
One of the biggest hurdles for Cleveland is the current trade landscape. Even teams with losing records are hesitant to move off their young talent. That’s created a bottleneck in the market, where supply is tight and asking prices are high.
Take the New Orleans Pelicans, for example. Despite sitting near the bottom of the standings and having already sent their first-round pick to Atlanta, they’ve reportedly made several players untouchable. It’s a head-scratcher, especially when you consider the opportunity cost of holding onto assets that may not be part of the long-term picture.
Still, not every player is off-limits. Jose Alvarado, the gritty guard known for his defensive tenacity, could be a more realistic target for Cleveland. While the Pelicans are unlikely to part with wings like Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III, Alvarado might be available - and he fits the Cavs’ mold: tough, unselfish, and playoff-tested.
The Bottom Line
Cleveland isn’t looking to blow up what’s working. They’re not chasing stars or making panic moves. Instead, they’re scanning the market for the kind of players who can fill gaps, raise the floor of the rotation, and help them navigate the grind of the postseason.
With the February 5 deadline looming, the Cavs’ front office remains active - not desperate. They know who they are, what they need, and what they’re willing to give up. In a seller’s market, that kind of clarity can go a long way.