With the NBA deadline for having non-guaranteed contracts being January 7, the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly waived both Alfonzo McKinnie and Tyler Cook on Monday, which was the day before that deadline.
That maneuver, though some seemed to speculate it could be in relation to Cleveland clearing roster spots for a potential blockbuster trade feasibly involving Kevin Love, was simply about the team wanting more roster flexibility in not having McKinnie and Cook’s deals guaranteed for the rest of the 2019-20 season.
Nonetheless, at the time it was reported by The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania that Cleveland could maybe bring back McKinnie if he were to clear waivers.