The Cleveland Cavaliers brought in some big name players to build their program with intentions to destroy the Golden State Warriors, but mistakenly it tore down their own successful culture of this franchise.
The excitement of bringing in new faces quickly faded away when adversity struck. This dream team quickly turned into a nightmare. Locker room drama stirred up, chemistry was never found, and losing became more habitual than usual. The Cavaliers had no other choice, but to get rid of half their roster before the trade deadline.
It was breaking news after breaking news, as the media received the update that six players were traded from Cleveland: Isaiah Thomas, Dwayne Wade, Derrick Rose, Jae Crowder, Iman Shumpert, and Channing Frye.
The chaos began with Isaiah Thomas being the first to go. Here’s where the ex-Cavalier players are now:
· Isaiah Thomas is on the Los Angeles Lakers
· Dwyane Wade is on the Miami Heat
· Derrick Rose is on the Utah Jazz
· Jae Crowder is on the Utah Jazz
· Iman Shumpert is on the Sacramento Kings
· Channing Frye is on the Los Angeles Lakers
The Cavs added George Hill, Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. From these trades, the team became younger, better defensively, and most importantly drama free.
J.R. Smith survived the trade deadline, and of course King Lebron James remained on the roster as he looks to continue to carry and develop his new team.
What surprised many people was the trading Dwyane Wade back to Miami. Everyone was thrilled to see the two best friends, James and Wade, take the floor together again representing the same team. Both players were unaware that Wade’s name was in the mix of the trade until the afternoon it occurred.
James accepted the fact that his best friend was being sent back home considering he sees him all the time anyways. Although he won’t see him every day, they both know how this industry is.
“I’m happy as hell for D-Wade,” James said, per cleveland.com. “He gets to go back home and that’s how it should be. I’ve always felt like that’s where his heart and his mind was and I think it’s going to be great for him. I look forward to seeing the footage of him being announced tonight back in Miami.
This was a good move from the Cavaliers to improve their athleticism. The newcomers Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. will bring in some more lockdown defense, and some solid guards are also being added with George Hill and Rodney Hood. Hood will be a great offensive threat for the Cavaliers, and they are excited about all new players.
It was reported that the Cavs’ atmosphere has already changed for the better, so now we will have to see if these improvements will mesh together.
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images).