The Cleveland Cavaliers are finally fully healthy, and because of that they have won their last four games to bring their record to 23-9. While getting healthy has definitely helped the team, it might have hurt one player in particular, and that is Jared Cunningham. Cunningham's status is in limbo as the deadline for his contract to become guaranteed is approaching. As of now, though, it looks like the Cavaliers are leaning toward holding onto the young guard, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Cleveland.
Cunningham was a contributor for the Cavaliers earlier in the season when Kyrie Irving, Mo Williams and Iman Shumpert were hurt, but now that they are back he has virtually no role. Cunningham has been a DNP-coaches decision in three of the last eight games and has really only seen action in garbage time recently. On the season Cunningham is averaging 3.5 points in 12.2 minutes per game.
Cunningham's contract is set to become guaranteed for the rest of the season on Jan. 10, so the Cavaliers have to make a decision in the next couple of days. There is a thought that the Cavs might move on from Cunningham to free up a roster spot just in case they feel the need to make a trade later in the season. Cleveland does have two trade exceptions at their disposal should they decide to use them, but they would need to free up a roster spot to do so, and cutting Cunningham now would not hurt financially.
Despite all of the trade stuff talk, and the fact that keeping Cunningham will cost the Cavaliers almost $4 million with luxury tax, they are leaning towards keeping him because of his potential. The Cavaliers reportedly see him as a young, versatile athlete that is good to have as an option should the team need him later on in the season. No official decision has been made on the matter, but general manager Dan Gilbert has said he is not worried about the money, and head coach David Blatt is a fan of Cunningham.
"I think Jared has done a great job since Day 1," said Blatt. "I don't think anyone has any questions about Jared's ability to play for us, to help us, to play in this league. There are other issues at hand, contractual issues that are really not so much my decisions to make, but Jared has acquitted himself well here from Day 1."
A decision should be coming very soon on Cunningham, but as of now it seems like all signs point to him staying with the team for the rest of the season.
