Independence, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The trade of Rodney Hood to Portland likely won’t be the last for the Cleveland Cavaliers this week.
Not with the NBA’s trade deadline rapidly approaching Thursday at 3 p.m.
Such is life for the rebuilding Cavs, who have struggled to find an identity while dealing with a multitude of injuries this season.
Head coach Larry Drew is keeping his mind in the moment and not on who may or may not be here by weeks end.
“Personally, I try not to get caught up in that,” Drew said Monday following practice. “I approach each day at a time. I’ve been in this thing too long to the point where I’ll allow myself to get caught up in it. As a coach, you’re aware of what possibilities that may come up, but me personally, I just try and take one day at a time.
“Keep coaching the players that I have and wait for this thing to pass by.”
Jordan Clarkson, acquired at the trade deadline last year, knows all too well about this time of year and the changes that come quickly, but the Cavs are handling the uncertainty just fine.
“We talked about it, and we kinda knew he was going to be on the move, but best wishes to him,” Clarkson said. “He’s going to a good place. Be a big boost for him to be able to play and hopefully just gets to do his thing.”
Hood netted the Cavs guards Nik Stauskas and Wade Baldwin IV along with 2021 and 2023 second-round draft picks.
“I appreciated Rodney’s whole professionalism while he was here,” Drew said. “He did a great job for us. I’m sure he understands the nature of this business, particularly when we get around trade deadline time. It’s just how this business works.”
Both Stauskas and Baldwin have expiring contracts meaning both could be dealt again before the deadline.
“All of our guys understand the nature of this business, the magnitude of this business and how things can happen right around this time,” Drew said.
Clarkson echoed Drew’s approach.
“All I can do is control what I can control,” Clarkson said. “Come in and do my work and hope to help this team get some wins. Whoever is on [the roster], whoever suits up, they gotta be ready to play.”
Kyrie out again – The Cavs won’t face Kyrie Irving Tuesday night when the Celtics visit.
Irving is out with a left hip strain after aggravating it against Oklahoma City Sunday when he scored 30 points and dished out 11 assists in the win.
Irving, who will miss his fourth game out of the last 7, did not play in a 123-103 win over the Cavs on Jan. 23.
No Love, yet – Kevin Love continues to practice but when he’ll be ready for game action remains unclear.
“He is coming along,” Drew said. “Right now, he’s day to day until we get total clearance.”
Love continues to practice, including contact, but Drew declined to provide a timetable when Love will play when asked if he could be on the floor before the All-Star break.
“Really excited for that,” Clarkson said.
