“The King” often gets what he wants, so it should come as no surprise the Cavaliers are on the verge of fulfilling LeBron James’ wish for a playmaking reserve guard to improve their chances of repeating as world champions.
Mavericks veteran Deron Williams is expected to join James in Cleveland, according to multiple reports, after he was waived by Dallas on Thursday. According to ESPN, the Mavs attempted to trade Williams, but unable to strike a deal before the deadline, they decided to eat the final $2.5 million left on his contract. Dallas now turns to rookie guard Yogi Ferrell to run the team the rest of the way.
The 32-year-old Williams, a three-time All-Star who would be joining his fourth team, is averaging 13.1 points and 6.9 assists this season, although he has played only 40 games because of various injuries.
James has implored the Cavaliers front office to make additions to the roster, which he has referred to as “top-heavy.” A few weeks after telling Cleveland.com in January, “We gotta get a point guard. It’s my last time saying it,” an irate James told reporters following a Cavaliers loss, “We need a f—ing playmaker.”
Williams would seem to fit the bill.