Cavs likely to stand pat at trade deadline, and that’s a good thing

Yes, the Cavaliers could make a move before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

Every team could. But when it comes to Cleveland, don’t place those bets. It’s more likely that the Cavs stand part and keep rolling with what’s working.

And man, it’s really working.

The Cavs (32-16) have won six straight and 14 of 15. That 14-1 record after a 15-game span was capped by Monday’s blowout win over the Sacramento Kings — and is the best record in franchise history over a 15-game span.

So, no trades. That’s my thinking. and highly likely the thinking of president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the rest of the front office.

It’s true that the Cavs wouldn’t mind getting a veteran backup point guard and big man for the playoffs. But not at the expense of tinkering with the current roster. You don’t really want to move anybody off this team.

Everyone is happy, (almost) healthy and most important of all, understands their roles. They like playing for coach J.B. Bickerstaff. There isn’t a hint of drama. Things are just clicking, man.

Along with all that, most teams play nine guys in the playoffs — and that ninth guy usually gets about nine minutes. Bickerstaff is trying to figure out a way to go 10 deep, with shooting guard Sam Merrill warranting some time.

“I’m hard-pressed to sit up here and tell you he hasn’t earned it,” Bickerstaff said. “I don’t like 10 (guys in a rotation), but they’ve earned it.”

Anyone brought in via trade would likely have to be the 11th man. So, yeah, why bother?

“Who realistically could they acquire this week that can supplant someone in this current rotation that is already too deep?” wrote Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. “And why disrupt the chemistry and energy this current group has created? This team is cooking right now. The worst thing they could do is try to crowbar a player or solution into a problem that doesn’t exist.”

Trades? For these Cavs? Man, don’t mess with success.

Dribbles: Everything keeps right on clicking, as surging Cavs crown Kings https://t.co/TP8NQp3TCd

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 6, 2024