Regardless of the miracle overtime victory the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to pull out against the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday night, thanks to some heroics from LeBron James, the team was still in the midst of a struggle and needed a change, and change they did. Trying to make their roster more competitive for the stretch run, the Cavs brought in an infusion of young talent in the forms of former Lakers Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr, along with former Jazz guard Rodney Hood.
Even with the moves, which should not only bring more success on the court for the Cavs but also clear the air in the locker room, LeBron James is still not committed to staying in Cleveland past this season, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:
The Cavs did not get a commitment from LeBron James that he will stay past this season before executing today’s trade, sources said. Team still took on $28 million and traded a future first. https://t.co/Eal9t1E0bG
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) February 8, 2018
However, the moves Cavs’ GM Koby Altman orchestrated to beef up an aging roster were received positively by James’ camp, according to Sam Amick of USA Today:
Here’s all you need to know: The behind-the-scenes reaction from James’ inner circle was a resounding thumbs-up, meaning first-year general manager Koby Altman should take a bow.
It also doesn’t seem that James was too upset about letting go of point guard Isaiah Thomas, who was acquired last summer in the Kyrie Irving trade:
There is a strong sense from Thomas’ side that James was among those who wanted to see him go – a claim that is refuted by James’ associates.
Interestingly enough, the Cleveland Cavaliers helped the Los Angeles Lakers clear enough cap space to sign not one, but two max contracts in the offseason by absorbing Jordan Clarkson’s deal, paving the way for The King to make the move to LA if he does jump ship. As of now, however, the four-time MVP is focused on the current season’s goal, leading a newly revamped Cleveland roster back to the NBA Finals.
