The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering a post-LeBron James era for the second time in five years, but this time it seems the goal is to remain competitive in the immediate future, rather than aiming for top draft picks.
After re-signing Kevin Love to a four-year, $120 million extension, the Cavs have at least locked up their one remaining All-Star and in an Eastern Conference that’s not exactly the deepest conference, they have a chance of reaching the playoffs again next season. The Cavs certainly have plenty of needs on the roster to ensure they achieve that goal, and on Sunday they made a deal to acquire another player to beef up their frontcourt rotation.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke news that Sam Dekker was being traded from the Clippers to the Cavs, as Cleveland looks to bring in more talent and L.A. tries to open up roster space. There aren’t full details of what the Cavs will send back, but Woj makes it clear it won’t be another player.
Cleveland is finalizing a trade to acquire Los Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 5, 2018
Sides are still working through parameters, but it’s essentially Clippers clearing a roster spot and a chance for Dekker to get a better opportunity for minutes with Cavs. https://t.co/aIYRLW2rAo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 5, 2018
It’s not exactly a blockbuster trade, but in early August, it’s the closest thing to major NBA transaction news we may get for some time. Dekker saw his minutes go down in 2017-18, averaging 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 12.1 minutes per game last season in his first year with the Clippers after being dealt there in the Chris Paul trade. He’ll hope to have an expanded role in Cleveland off the bench behind Kevin Love and the Cavs hope he can continue developing into a quality rotation player.
The Clippers clear a roster spot, as they had 17 players under contract for 15 spots, and after signing Luc Mbah a Moute, Dekker became expendable in the frontcourt. L.A. still needs to move one more player before the start of the season, so this won’t be their last activity of the offseason.
