Cavaliers Trade Rumors: Cleveland Expected to Make at Least 1 Deal by Deadline

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly expected to make at least one deal before the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline in an attempt to bolster their roster for another potential championship run.

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported Monday night a source "insisted" the Cavs are going to make a trade as they try to keep pace with the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics in the title chase.

While LeBron James, the NBA's gold standard for the past decade, keeps Cleveland in the NBA Finals discussion, the lack of contributors from his supporting cast is raising concerns.

On Tuesday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reported multiple players expressed concern about the franchise's direction and suggested "the team does not have the capability to fix its problems and get back on a championship track" during the 2017-18 campaign.

Making a trade could provide a spark for what's become a stagnant group that's lost four straight games—including a 118-108 loss to the Warriors on Monday—and eight of its past 10.

The Cavaliers lack marquee assets outside of their core, however, and the front office is hesitant to trade the Brooklyn Nets' first-round pick it owns because it could be crucial in a rebuild should James opt for free agency this summer, per McMenamin.

If Cleveland dips into the trade waters, it will likely seek a defensive upgrade.

The team ranks fifth in offensive efficiency and fourth in true shooting percentage, but it sits 29th in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN.com.

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, has been linked to the Cavs, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski told Outside The Lines last week the veteran shot-blocker "does not rise to the level" that would cause Cleveland to include the Nets' pick in discussions.