CLEVELAND -- Dion Waiters has heard the trade rumblings and knows of the report that he was in general manager Chris Grant's office for an extended period of time.
"It's nonsense," the Cavaliers guard said prior to Wednesday's home game against the Miami Heat.
Waiters also insisted he has not asked to be traded, and a Cavs source said the team isn't actively looking to trade him.
All of this refutes an ESPN story earlier in the day, which cited sources as saying the Cavs have spoken (specifically about Waiters) with the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Chicago Bulls.
Cavs coach Mike Brown said "not to my knowledge," when asked if the Cavs were attempting to trade Waiters and added he hopes Waiters remains on the team.
But there is likely some validity to the report. The Cavs may not be making calls about Waiters, but league sources have told FOX Sports Ohio they have taken some. They may not want to move Waiters now, but again, all options are always considered.
That's not a shocking development, since every GM in every city is always willing to listen.
And it seems like an awful big coincidence that reports of a confrontational team meeting, which centered on Waiters, ended with Waiters missing the next two games and losing his starting spot.
Now, it could indeed be a coincidence. Waiters could have really had a cold, as both he and the Cavs maintained. But it's an awful big coincidence.
Still, Waiters is sticking to his story and said he has no desire to be dealt.
"I'm happy," said the second-year shooting guard. "I'm not happy with us losing but I'm happy here, the city of Cleveland, yeah."
As for the speculation that Waiters is struggling to coexist with star point guard Kyrie Irving, Waiters indicated things are again being blown out of proportion.
"It's up to us," Waiters said. "Both of us have to sacrifice for one another. Until then, we've got to keep finding chemistry."
Waiters was averaging 13.0 points on 39 percent shooting entering Wednesday night. He indicated some of the Cavs' issues on offense are the result of a new system.
"It's early, we're still trying to get situated in the new offense," Waiters said. "But, I mean, time will tell. We've just got to be patient and we've got to hope it will work, have faith in the offense, Coach Brown, and hopefully we can turn this thing around."
Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO
