Cavs Trade Rumors: T.J. McConnell Offer A Reminder Cavs Blew It With Delly

Jan 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard T.J. McConnell (1) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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In Cavs trade rumors, the team’s interest in 76ers PG T.J. McConnell is a reminder that the team blew it by not signing Matthew Dellavedova to a multi-year pact after the 2014-2015 season.

Thanks but no thanks. The 76ers aren’t interested in re-acquiring 2014 second-round pick Jordan McRae for point guard T.J. McConnell.

The Cavs reportedly made the offer, which was turned down by Philadelphia.

McConnell would’ve been a huge add for the Cavaliers, who are on a mission to find a backup point guard. McConnell is averaging 6.0 assists per game in just under 24 minutes per contest. He would be the playmaker that LeBron James is looking for.

McConnell can also cut the mustard defensively. ESPN’s Defensive Real Plus/Minus metric isn’t perfect, but it does indicate if a guy can hold up his end of the bargain on defense.

McConnell ranks No. 7 among 87 point guards in the DRPM category.

The McConnell rumors, and a look at his stats, should be a sobering reminder to Cavs Country that the franchise blew it bynot signing Matthew Dellavedova after Cleveland’s Finals loss during the 2014-2015 season.

That offseason, Delly was a restricted free agent. Despite a memorable, gritty postseason run, the Cavs didn’t lock the Aussie point guard up to a long-term deal. He signed a one-year pact for around $1 million.

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The Cavs were confronted by the same problem they faced last offseason with Delly. In both instances, a long-term deal was going to impact what the franchise was paying into the luxury tax.

Delly is making $9.6 million per season with the Bucks right now. The Cavs might’ve been able to get him for $4-$5 million per season after 2014-2015 if Griffin had offered a multi-year deal.

Yes, that would’ve cost Dan Gilbert some more luxury taxes, but remember, he reportedly told LeBron James that spending wouldn’t be an issue before James announced he was returning to Cleveland.

Perhaps James looks at how the Delly situation was handled, and how the team is in desperate need of a guard. Perhaps that scenario has caused him to be more vocal, challenging the front office to be better.

Next: Does Dan Gilbert Need To Spend More Money?

Players such as Delly and McConnell won’t be making All-Star teams., But their stars would be brighter on championship contenders where little things like hustle, defense and setting up a teammate are huge.