Cleveland Cavaliers seems to have their trade agreement involving the team's ace players as the only saving grace to turn things upside down for them. This is despite the fact they have lots of time to look for solutions with their grim situation after a month of play.
According to 247 Sports, it is obvious things are likely to heat up in terms of those trade talks. It can be recalled how we are moving closer and closer to February's deadline. However, this situation did not restrain Joe Vardon of The Athletic to predict the potential order in which the veteran players of the team could likely be traded out of town.
It can be recalled that several comments cited how Vardon believes Kyle Korver and George Hill will probably be moved the earliest on or before the deadline. This is followed by the other players like Rodney Hood, Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love, and lastly, JR Smith. At the moment, Vardon believes as well that the most likely order is this list:
1. Kyle Korver
2. George Hill
3. Rodney Hood
4. Kevin Love
5. Tristan Thompson
6. JR Smith
Meanwhile, some people are probably surprised to see Hood on the lineup. That is because he is technically on an expiring deal and the Cavaliers is set to have a big decision to make this summer on whether they would want to commit to him or not. The earlier mentioned source said they had money set aside with over $20 million-plus years in three years. Sadly, he opted for the one-year agreement.
These are obviously dealt to develop a more competitive aspect for their team. And some say this is just a simple deal to help free up space for the team down the road. Moreover, the Cavaliers will likely be one of the biggest sellers of the league at the upcoming deadline.
Given the reality that Vardon knows this team too well just like anyone who does not actively work for the organization, the fact that he was able to pinpoint these particular names in order only shows there are at least rumblings concerning the respective futures with the Gold and Wine.
In a report from ESPN, Kevin Love said he remains to expect out from Cleveland Cavaliers until sometime after New Year. With his own words, he said, "There is no telling at this time with the weight-bearing injury what it is going to be like moving forward, but I expect to be back sometime after the new year."
