Rodney Hood Rumors

When the trade first happened, can you walk me through how you learned about the deal and how you initially reacted to the news? Rodney Hood: I wasn’t surprised. In the two weeks leading up to [the deadline], I kind of had an idea that something was going to happen, but I just kept playing and being a professional while focusing on what we were doing in Cleveland. Then, I got wind that a bunch of teams were interested in trading for me and I had veto power, so while I won’t say that I could “pick” where I landed, I could kind of maneuver [my way] to a team I wanted to join. When I heard Portland, I looked at the situation and the opportunity to play minutes in an offense and system that, I think, really fits my style of play. I also think with their community and their fan base, my personality will really fit in as well. I think it was a no-brainer to me to come out here and be part of what they have going on.

1 week ago – via HoopsHype

Trade, Uncategorized

You were traded prior to last year’s deadline, so you’ve been through this before. Is going through the process easier this time around compared to your first time being traded? Rodney Hood: Yeah, it’s much easier. Last year when I got traded from Utah to Cleveland, I was [in the process of] trying to move into a house. Then, two months later, I had twins in the middle of the playoffs. Not to mention, we were staying in a hotel with our son, who was only 2 years old at the time. We were dealing with the “terrible twos” in a hotel room and barely sleeping. There was so much going on when I got traded that first time. Now, this time, I’m going to be locked in out here. I’ll be away from my family, but they’re still going to visit regularly. I think this is a big opportunity for me. I think it’s a great fit both ways. I think there was a need for me on this team, and I think I needed to be part of something like this where I can show what I can do and be part of a big [playoff] run.

1 week ago – via HoopsHype

Trade, Uncategorized

Stauskas was first acquired by the Cavs in last week’s Rodney Hood trade. Two days later, Stauskas was sent to the Houston Rockets — part of the three-team deal involving Alec Burks. Then, prior to Thursday’s trade deadline, Houston shipped Stauskas to the Indiana Pacers, where he was ultimately waived. Because he was traded once more by Houston after his brief stop in Cleveland and then waived by another team, in this case Indiana, the Cavs were able to sign him.

To stay below the luxury tax, Cleveland needed to send Nik Stauskas and Wade Baldwin IV to the Rockets. The Cavaliers will create a $1.5M trade exception for both players. Cleveland is now $1.2M below the tax. Brandon Knight has a cap hit of $14.6M and $15.6M for 2019-20. Marquese Chriss is on a $3.2M expiring contract. Chriss was acquired into the $3.47M Rodney Hood that was recently created. The Cavaliers will need to keep on eye on their payroll for next season. Cleveland has $122.4M in guaranteed contracts, $10M below the luxury tax. The guaranteed salary does not include a projected top five pick in the June Draft.

2 weeks ago – via ESPN