The more moves the Cleveland Cavaliers make this offseason, the murkier Dion Waiters' future becomes. The Cavaliers have been considering trading the guard since the middle of the last season, but have to finalize a single move. However, after extending Kyrie Irving, draft Andrew Wiggins and bringing back Le Bron James, Waiters no longer has a starting spot on the team. Now Cleveland has brought in veteran shooter Mike Miller, making things even more complicated for the young star.
James' recruiting paid off for the Cavaliers. After signing his contract, the forward spent time recruiting his former teammate to the Cavaliers after receiving offers from the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat. According to ESPN, Miller accepted a deal of two years and $5.5 million which was reportedly less than what other teams were offering him. However, the allure of rejoining James won out giving Cleveland a sharpshooter with playoff experience. Last season, Miller averaged 7.1 points per game with Memphis while shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers like those numbers.
One person not thrilled by Miller's presence could be Waiters. The veteran is just another player the guard must compete with for playing time. Right now with Wiggins likely taking over as a shooting guard, Waiters looks to be out of the starting lineup. However, the guard took to Twitter to say he has zero intentions of coming off the bench and being the Sixth Man. He might not have to worry about that if Cleveland trades him first.
Right now, the Cavaliers would ideally like to acquire Kevin Love sooner rather than later meaning at least one of their young assets must go in return. The team has taken Andrew Wiggins off the table. Owner Dan Gilbert has made it known that the No. 1 pick in the draft will not be sent packing before he steps on the court. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves are not interested in a deal including the likes of Anthony Bennett or Tristan Thompson. Waiters must be thrown in to make something happen.
If the Cavaliers cannot trade for Love then Waiters is likely safe, but that does not mean he is a starter. Cleveland will chase Love in free agency if he is still available. Waiters could be sent packing at any time especially if he continues to huff and puff about wanting a starting role.
