The Cavaliers have not met expectations in the first half of the season. That much we know. But so far, they have shown little appetite to make a big move, even as questions continue to swirl around De’Andre Hunter and his role with the team.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs have not engaged in any serious trade discussions to this point. That includes declining to advance talks with at least one team that recently made an offer involving Hunter. Internally, the Cavs remain inclined to give this roster more time, Fedor reports.
That has not been easy to do.
Max Strus is expected to miss at least a few more weeks, and Dean Wade continues to manage a knee issue, though a recent MRI showed no structural damage. The Cavs sit at 22-19 as they reach the midpoint of the season, still trying to find something resembling consistency.
Hunter’s recent play has only added to the conversation. He scored a season-low two points and committed three turnovers in just 18 minutes during Monday’s stunner of a loss to the lowly Jazz. Afterward, head coach Kenny Atkinson did not shy away from acknowledging the struggles.
“It’s not clicking,” Atkinson said. “I think it’s a prolonged batting slump. It happens in every sport. We’re trying to support him and get him some touches. He’s too good a player to be playing like this.”
Fedor notes that if Hunter’s play does not stabilize and injuries continue to linger, it would not be surprising to see the Cavs at least explore its options ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
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