The Cleveland Cavaliers came into this season projected as contenders in the East, but they have gotten off to a bit of a slow start. The Cavs are 21-17 through 38 games and are one loss away from matching their total from last year.
With their slow start and trade season in the NBA ramping up, Cleveland has been at the center of trade rumors. Teams have shown interest in Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, but the Cavaliers have rebuffed all trade inquiries on them so far.
Given the wide-open state of the conference, teams around the East are attempting to seize the opportunity to compete.