Report: Cavaliers release Larry Sanders
The Cleveland Cavaliers are wheeling and dealing ahead of the NBA Playoffs this weekend. They are releasing recently-signed big man Larry Sanders and signing D-League star Edy Tavares.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a rough year defensively, especially protecting the rim. Behind Tristan Thompson, the Cavs don’t feature a true center. When adding Andrew Bogut, their hope was that Bogut could serve as a pivotal backup in the playoffs to take the load off of Thompson. But 54 seconds into his debut, Bogut was gone for the season and no longer a member of the defending champs.
Larry Sanders was signed back on March 13 and has only appeared in five games for the Wine and Gold. He’s also been on the express shuttle between Canton — the Cavs’ D-League affiliate — and Cleveland. The ex-Bucks star only played in a grand total of 13 garbage-time minutes. GM David Griffin was hoping for more when signing for Sanders, but looks like that his run with the Cavs has come to an end.
According to the Vertical’s Shams Charania, the Cavs are releasing Larry Sanders for another big man in return.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are releasing center Larry Sanders to create roster space, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 12, 2017
The Cavs didn’t wait much longer, as Charania went on to add that the empty roster spot will be filled by Edy Tavares.
Sources: Cavaliers to waive Larry Sanders, sign center Edy Tavares. @ShamsCharania report on @TheVertical. https://t.co/2RX8K5gTQB pic.twitter.com/E4CEEIKFrf
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) April 12, 2017
Tavares, 25, has been playing for Toronto’s D-League Affiliate, the Raptors 905. In 48 games, he averaged 10.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.7 blocks. The Cavs will also be able to use every bit of his 7-foot-3 size to protect the rim. He was a huge piece for the 905 as the made their stretch run to the postseason.
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Most likely, Tavares will not be an impact player during the playoffs for the Cavs. But, he’s signed to a multi-year deal and Griffin was considering the long-term future of the team.