Cavs Rumors: Victor Oladipo, Backcourt, Dean Wade, Priorities

The Cavaliers are sitting on 13 standard contracts with one roster spot still up for grabs, and there’s no clear indication of which direction they’ll go, as relayed by Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.

While Cleveland could opt for a versatile wing to fit Kenny Atkinson’s switch-heavy defensive system, there’s also internal discussion about adding another ball-handler to bolster the backcourt.

Ball-Handling a Priority?

Darius Garland is working his way back from toe surgery. Lonzo Ball, acquired in the Isaac Okoro trade with the Bulls, has played just 35 games across the last three seasons due to persistent knee issues. And while Craig Porter Jr. is a promising young guard, it’s unclear whether the team trusts him in an expanded role right away.

Donovan Mitchell is capable of taking on more ball-handling duties, but the Cavs don’t want to burn him out in the early going. That opens the door for a veteran addition, and one name to keep an eye on is Victor Oladipo.

Fedor reports that a Cavaliers front office executive attended Oladipo’s recent workout in Las Vegas. Team owner Dan Gilbert is said to be a longtime fan of the former No. 2 overall pick and had even pushed to draft him No. 1 overall in 2013, before then-assistant GM David Griffin convinced the front office to take Anthony Bennett instead.

Trade Talk Around Wade

Elsewhere on the roster, there was “chatter” in Las Vegas about the possibility of the Cavs moving on from forward Dean Wade, as we relayed here, citing interested teams. Wade is on an expiring $6.6 million contract for 2025-26, and given Cleveland’s cap situation, he may not be viewed as a long-term piece.

Tomlin on the Rise

If Wade is dealt, one internal candidate to take his spot is second-year forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Fedort wrote. The 24-year-old impressed during Summer League, averaging 20.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three. He made just five NBA appearances as a rookie but could push for real rotation minutes this fall.

Two-Way Slot Still Undecided

Former Cleveland State wing Tristan Enaruna is also in the mix for the Cavs’ final two-way spot, joining Tomlin and Luke Travers as candidates. Enaruna averaged 13.3 points and shot 56.8 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from deep during Summer League play.

Defense Remains a Focus

Fedor notes that after being exposed defensively in the second-round loss to Indiana, the Cavaliers made defense a priority this offseason. That includes the decision to retain Sam Merrill over Ty Jerome. The belief is that Merrill, along with new additions Ball and Larry Nance Jr., will be able to hold up defensively in the playoffs.

Training camp is still a few months away, but the Cavaliers are already tinkering. One roster spot remains. Multiple paths are on the table.