The Cleveland Cavaliers are exploring the possibility of trading Dean Wade, according to veteran NBA reporter Chris Fedor on Saturday.

"From what I know, the Cavaliers have discussed Dean Wade," Fedor said in a podcast. "They are considering whether they can use him and other chips to get some assets in return - whether it is different types of resources or different styles of players."

The Cavaliers are considering trading Wade this summer mainly because of the pressure of the salary structure: their salary is expected to exceed 219 million US dollars next season, crossing the second rich line. In order to reduce the financial burden and make room for Ty Jerome's contract extension, the Cavaliers management intends to send Wade, who is about to enter the final year of his contract and has an annual salary of 6.6 million US dollars next season.

Wade, 28, plays mainly as a forward and joined the Cavaliers on a two-way contract in 2019. So far, he has played 283 regular season games for the Cavaliers, averaging 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 42.8% and a three-point shooting percentage of 36.8%.

Wade also played in 14 playoff games for the Cavaliers, averaging 2.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 31.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 24.0%.

In the just-concluded 2024/25 season, Wade played a total of 59 regular season games, averaging 5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 41.3% and 36.0% from three-point range. In the playoffs, he averaged 1.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game, shooting 33.3% from the field and 21.4% from three-point range.