1. Isaac Okoro
One of the top five picks in 2020 was the 23-year-old. Although he has not lived up to the hype, he is still getting better. This winter, Okoro will be a restricted free agent, but the Cavaliers will probably have to pay the tax if they pay him. Are they prepared to make the payment? Only a few days before the deadline, Okoro is mentioned in trade rumours.
His defence and shooting are still becoming better. This season, Okoro’s 3-point shooting percentage is 37.2 percent; each year, this percentage rises. The 6’5 wing is a versatile guard who has the potential to become every team’s dream 3-and-D wing. He’s still becoming better and has more to grow.
If the Cavaliers are able to retain Donovan Mitchell and sign Evan Mobley to a long-term contract, their roster will become much more expensive in 2025. Priority should be given to avoiding the second tax apron, which probably entails offloading a crucial player from their roster. The Cavs might let Okoro go now to maximise their reward if he turns out to be that player.
The Cleveland Cavaliers would be thrilled to add to their squad prior to the trade deadline on February 8. Is there anything they can do to improve their chances of going far in the postseason? Undoubtedly, the front office will investigate the market; therefore, keep an eye out to see what they can do.
2. Caris LeVert
Due to injuries that have increased his workload, LeVert’s stats have increased this season. The Cavs’ sixth man is less of a scorer and shot-maker when they are healthy. The 6’6 wing has trouble on defence and is a streaky shooter. Cleveland would be thrilled to find someone more suited for their squad and an upgrade.
LeVert has a two-year, $32 million contract that is now in its first season. Next season, he will earn $16.6 million, which could make trading more difficult. To take his place, the Cavaliers would adore to locate a 3-and-D wing. LeVert’s output and playing time increased during the previous season’s playoffs, but finding a more comfortable fit would be ideal.
Both parties may profit from a trade. LeVert performs best in a lineup that lacks a second scorer or creator of shots. For the entire season, he has averaged over 20 points each game and sends out four or more assists per night. LeVert offers the offensive punch that many clubs are looking for. Having four future All-Stars in Cleveland limits his role, but he still has more to provide.
Caris LeVert is not the most likely Cavalier to be traded before February 8, but he might be an important salary-matcher in a bigger deal. That honour belongs to a former lottery winner.
3. Dean Wade
Over the past five years, Wade has progressed from being an undrafted signee to a rotational player. His rebounding and jump shot are still getting better. Although Wade is only 6’9 and won’t break out to become a star, he can make easy baskets. For every competitor, having a player who can contribute 20 quality minutes off the bench is essential.
Right now, he’s playing the first year of a three-year, $18.5 million deal. It is partially guaranteed for the 2025–2026 season, but it is assured for the next season. It’s still difficult to find a good role player who makes less than $7 million a season.
Dean Wade is what the Cavaliers would rather keep. Although he is still developing, the 27-year-old ought to be close to his best. Despite missing out on the playoffs the previous season, he provides Cleveland with size and ability to make shots. When the games count the most, those can be crucial.
The Cleveland Cavaliers would have to offer Dean Wade a higher salary in order to make the math work if they were to recruit someone who makes more than $20 million. Wade along with a few minimum contracts and draft selections might be sufficient to complete the deal if they’re looking for someone who makes around the mid-level exception. The 27-year-old might undoubtedly turn into a valuable addition in a deal before the deadline.
4. Ty Jerome
Jerome has only played 15 minutes this season despite agreeing to a two-year, $5 million contract with the Cavaliers in the offseason. The 6’5 guard participated in the team’s opening two games but hasn’t played since October 27 due to an ankle ailment. He underwent surgery in January, and there is still no set date for his recovery.
For the 26-year-old, injuries and a lack of playing time are nothing new. Despite being selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, he has never played in more than 48 games in a season. Though there have been chances, Jerome is not someone you should put your trust in going forward.
His current salary is $2.4 million, and for the 2024–2025 season, he has a contract worth $2.5 million. Is there a team they can find that will take on the salary for next year? Jerome has demonstrated promise as a plus shooter. A team that thinks he can be a regular member of their rotation when healthy is what Cleveland would need.
These players are officially on the trade block because the Cleveland Cavaliers cannot just move players for close to minimum salary if they wish to strengthen their squad before the deadline. Is it possible for the front office to swap their higher-paid role players for upgrades?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are dominating the standings and playing with fire. They are finally healthy, as they have won 14 of their last 15 games. Donovan Mitchell was selected for his sixth consecutive All-Star team, and the Cavaliers hope to win a title. They need additional additions to make a deep playoff run, but for now they are tied for second place in the Eastern Conference.
There isn’t much time to spend because the trade deadline is February 8. Cleveland should look to enhance their roster in order to complement their solid core four. With a contract decision involving Mitchell expected this summer, this may be the Cavaliers’ last opportunity to compete. If they wish to maintain this core together, they have to have it perfect before the deadline.
With whom could Cleveland make a trade? The Cavs’ main goal will be to strengthen their roster. These players may find new homes after Thursday’s deadline, but their core four is off limits.
5. Damian Jones
Considering the injuries to the Cavs, Jones has seldom played. The 28-year-old, whose 141 total minutes rank 13th on the squad, ought to be nearing the end of his prime. At this point, there is no banking on his upside. He is the large man, 6’11” that he is.
With a $2.5 million contract that is about to expire, Jones could be utilised as a salary-matcher in almost any trade where Cleveland needs to pay a little bit more to seal the deal. In the offseason, Cleveland acquired him from Utah in exchange for cash. Since he hasn’t done much to increase his value, the 6’11 big man is essentially worthless in any trade.
The Cleveland Cavaliers might attempt to hold onto him in favour of a point guard who is guaranteed for the upcoming campaign but has had trouble staying healthy. The franchise would definitely prefer to change guards, but their restricted resources might make that impossible.
