While the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't use the NBA Trade Deadline as a means to boost their championship aspirations, the team didn't have to wait long for help to become available. Deron Williams, who the Dallas Mavericks bought out on Thursday, is expected to sign with Cleveland. The Vertical's Shams Charania first reported the news on Saturday.
Williams loses all value from a fantasy perspective, that is for certain. Previously, Williams averaged nearly 30 minutes per night with the Mavericks and posted 13.1 points and 6.9 assist per game during his Mavericks tenure this season. He'll be shifted to a bench role with Cleveland and serve as its backup point guard after previously working with no backup point guard for a stretch.
From a fantasy outlook, this could mean Kyrie Irving takes a slight hit in minutes. Cleveland wants to ease off some of its stars in the final stretch and previously had no reliable option off the bench to keep the position afloat. Now with Williams arrival on Monday, the Cavaliers have someone that can allow Irving to rest when he needs it or even give him the occasional game off.