Trade rumors constantly follow the Cleveland Cavaliers and the core four without anything materializing, but the new luxury tax penalties may force the Cavs' hand.
Currently, the Cavaliers are one of the highest-cost NBA franchises, skyrocketing the payroll into the newly-formed ominous second apron of the luxury tax. In short, it places heavy restrictions on trades, signings and future drafts for teams above the threshold. The second apron threshold sits at roughly $207 million. The core four's salaries alone combine for nearly $152.2 million, putting the team just below the allotted $154 million cap space with at least 10 more roster spots to fill.