INQUISITR.COM / Sports

NBA Rumors: Mike Dunleavy Being Dealt By Chicago Bulls To The Cleveland Cavaliers

By Ernie Howell
Published on: 15:51 PST, Jul 6, 2016

NBA rumors have suggested that Mike Dunleavy will be one of two players leaving the Chicago Bulls to make salary cap space for Dwyane Wade, according to multiple reports.

The Cleveland newspaper The Plain Dealer is reporting that the framework for a deal is in place between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers to send Mike Dunleavy to Ohio’s only NBA franchise. The move is one that the Cleveland Cavaliers star player LeBron James favors. The only reservation about trading for Mike Dunleavy is what the 35-year-old player can contribute, according to the report.

“LeBron James has always wanted to play with Dunleavy, but it will be interesting to see if his new teammate still has anything left in the tank. He underwent back surgery last September.”

The price tag to acquire Mike Dunleavy from the Chicago Bulls is a reasonable one. The athlete has two years remaining on his contract at a total cost of $10 million. The $5.2 million due for the 2017-2018 season is not guaranteed, however, giving the Cleveland Cavaliers an out should Mike Dunleavy not live up to expectations.

In addition to trading Mike Dunleavy, the Chicago Bulls needed a trade partner for the newly acquired guard Jose Calderon. The Vertical is reporting that the Los Angeles Lakers have stepped up to acquire the former New York Knicks point guard, his third team in less than three weeks.

By moving Jose Calderon and Mike Dunleavy, the Chicago Bulls shaved slightly more than $12 million off their payroll for the upcoming NBA season. The franchise needed significant space after Dwyane Wade agreed to a two-year, $47.5 million contract to join the Chicago Bulls this summer.

Dwyane Wade was an unexpected addition to the free agent class of 2016. Initial reports suggested the veteran athlete would stay with the Miami Heat, the only franchise that Dwyane Wade has played for during his illustrious 13-year career. After the free agent period started in July, however, several rumors began to pop up about potential landing spots for the guard. The Inquisitr reported on rumors that he would sign with the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets.

Mike Dunleavy had back issues over the last couple of seasons, limiting his playing time with the Chicago Bulls. The 6’9? shooting guard had back surgery in 2015, sidelining Mike Dunleavy for the first 49 games of the NBA season, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Chicago Bulls did not have his services until a February 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN reported.

When asked earlier this season what he could bring to the Chicago Bulls after being cleared to play, Mike Dunleavy noted multiple attributes he felt would serve his teammates well. The Cleveland Cavaliers can expect Mike Dunleavy to deliver the same qualities to his new teammates.

“Whatever a wily 35-year-old vet can add. People are going to say shooting, but I haven’t thought much about that. It’s a lot of the little things that contribute to winning — getting back on defense, setting screens, moving without the ball. Hopefully I can bring that and have an impact.”

Mike Dunleavy, a 15-year veteran, played the last three seasons with the Chicago Bulls. The former Duke player has career averages of 11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per outing over that span. Last season with Chicago Bulls was the worst statistically for Mike Dunleavy since his rookie campaign as he finished the 2015-2016 season averaging 7.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assist per game in 31 outings.

What do you think about the Chicago Bulls trading Mike Dunleavy to the Cleveland Cavaliers to make room for Dwyane Wade? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]

Share this article: NBA Rumors: Mike Dunleavy Being Dealt By Chicago Bulls To The Cleveland Cavaliers
cleveland cavaliers dwyane wade Jose Calderon LeBron James Miami Heat Chicago Bulls
More from Inquisitr