REPORT: Key Cavaliers Reserve Could Be Out Rest Of Regular Season

Dean Wade's return to the Cleveland Cavaliers is "not imminent," per report.

Feb 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) reaches for a loose ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports / Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Dean Wade has had a true underdog story. He went unselected in the 2019 Draft, was signed to a two-way deal by the Cleveland Cavaliers, earned a three-year contract extension before the 2022-23 season, and looked to be a major contributor in the team’s playoff run this season.

However, the last part of this story has been put on hold due to a knee injury that apparently is worse than initially thought. Wade has missed the last nine games due to what the team called “knee soreness” but Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com offered an unfavorable update on the situation. 

He wrote, “That lingering issue, initially characterized as ‘soreness,’ is now being termed a ‘knee sprain’ — the kind of injury that could keep him out for the remainder of the regular season, sources tell cleveland.com ... A return is not imminent.”

Fedor does offer a silver lining in this sour news. While the injury could keep him sidelined for the rest of the regular season, there is some hope that Wade could return for the playoffs. 

Feb 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) reaches for a loose ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports / Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Basketball fans outside of Cleveland may not realize just how important Wade is to this team. He’s shooting 39% from behind the arc this season while also grabbing 4.0 rebounds a game. Most importantly, Wade’s defense has been All-NBA level. His defensive rating of 103.5 isn’t just the best on the Cavs, but it’s also the best in the entire league.

While not having Wade on the floor currently hurts the Cavs as the team continues to struggle, having him back for the postseason would at least give the team a much-needed boost on the defensive end of the floor.