Cavs searching for backcourt depth ahead of trade deadline

January 26, 2024

The Cavaliers are pretty happy with how things are going, and why not? They’ve experienced two key injuries (Darius Garland and Evan Mobley) yet remain competitive and in the Eastern Conference race.

But it never hurts to look to improve, and if we know Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman, we know that is his mission.

The Cavs reportedly have been on the lookout for a “3-and-D” wing ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline, and now that Tristan Thompson has been suspended for 25 games (24 to go), they very well may be in the market for a reserve big man, too.

And according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Cavs are among the teams expected to kick the tires on a few veteran backcourt players.

That would make sense. They lost point guard Ricky Rubio to retirement and guard Ty Jerome, signed over the summer, to ankle surgery. Jerome is out indefinitely.

Granted, the Cavs like rookie point guard Craig Porter Jr. and think his future is incredibly bright. But they could still use a little veteran depth at the guard position, especially when you’re talking playoffs.

There are plenty of those types who could be available — from Washington Wizards point guard Tyus Jones to Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell to Milwaukee Bucks guard Cameron Payne and Golden State Warriors guard Cory Joseph (who shares agent Rich Paul with Thompson and Garland).

It’s not known if the Cavs intend to pursue any, but if they do decide to make a deal for backcourt players, that’s basically the list. Also, veteran guard Kyle Lowry was just traded from the Miami Heat to the Charlotte Hornets, and Charlotte isn’t expected to keep him. I don’t see a connection there with the Cavs, but hey, this is the NBA in 2024. You just never know.

Frankly, I don’t see the Cavs wanting to give up anyone on the current roster. So if they land somebody, at any position, it would likely just be for second-round picks or something. I think the Cavs (26-16 entering Friday night) are much more likely to try their luck on the buyout market after the deadline. Just my best guess.