The Cleveland Cavaliers have arguably their deepest roster in franchise history. The improved lineup will put them in a good position to reclaim the title, but they could also be forced to trade some of their key players before the deadline in February.
Tristan Thompson lost his spot in the starting lineup in the upcoming season, while Channing Frye is not expected to play significant minutes for the Cavaliers anymore. With their decreased roles in Cleveland, Thompson and Frye could find themselves at the center of trade rumors midway through the season.
Cleveland Cavaliers could shop Tristan Thompson
Thompson will come off the bench to start the season after Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue named Kevin Love as their starting center. The do-it-all forward vowed to play as hard as last year, promising to go after the Sixth Man of the Year award this season.
However, Thompson might be dealt before the February 8 deadline, Amico Hoops reported. It was pointed out that it will all depend on how the 26-year-old performs off the bench for the Cavs in the first half of the season.
The former Texas standout started in all 78 regular-season games he played last season. The six-year veteran averaged 8.1 points and 9.2 rebounds for the Cavaliers.
Channing Frye now a dispensable asset for Cleveland Cavaliers
Channing Frye played a big role in Cleveland’s last two title campaigns. However, Frye is not expected to get a lot of playing time for the Cavaliers anymore with the arrival of Jae Crowder and Jeff Green.
Lue has already informed Frye about his limited role, Cleveland.com reported.
While Frye accepted his new role, several teams are expected to reach out to the Cavaliers about a possible trade for the sweet-shooting big man.
The 34-year-old averaged 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game last season. King James Gospel named the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Philadelphia 76ers among the teams that should trade for the veteran forward.
With Thompson and Frye becoming dispensable for the Cavaliers, both of them could be featured in blockbuster trades before the deadline. It was earlier reported that the Cavaliers could pursue either Marc Gasol or DeMarcus Cousins later in the season.
The Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to ask for the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick along with players to match the salaries. Thompson and Frye could be thrown into the mix to give the Cavaliers a chance to nab another superstar for their expected title run this season.
