Irving's trade was put on the agenda, but this kind of big trade is obviously not something that can be accomplished immediately.
Before this, Irving also returned to the Cavaliers.
The other players didn't know what was happening, just considering it as one of Irving's usual "little tantrums."
At this time, the 2017 All-Star voting had already begun.
The results of the first round came out, and Hansen and Irving were still leading the Eastern backcourt.
By mid-January, Deron suffered a knee injury and needed to rest for about two weeks.
At this time, Malone did not choose to rotate the position to rookie Dejounte Murray, but rather to give it to second-year Norman Powell.
This was an unconventional choice, but it brought a surprise to Cavaliers fans.
In the next half month, Powell, in an average of 18 minutes of playing time, managed to contribute 8.7 points per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 40%.
