Omri Casspi Denies Making a Trade Request

Following a report that claimed Omri Casspi was looking for a way out of Cleveland, the Cavaliers forward came out and said he’s happy with his current situation. From the Plain Dealer: “Of course, I like Cleveland,’ Casspi said before the Cavs faced the Bulls at the United Center. ‘Cleveland has been great to me. The fans, the city, the organization. That’s where I’m focused. I don’t have any other focus but help my team win. Whatever the future holds will happen.’ Before Monday, Casspi had fallen out of coach Byron Scott’s rotation and, except for one minute against Indiana on Dec. 21, he hadn’t played significant minutes since playing 12 in the victory over the Lakers on Dec. 11. He is averaging 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game. He has played 19 games, started one, and is shooting 39 percent overall, and 44 percent from 3-point range. ‘He hasn’t done anything [to prompt a demotion],’ Scott said. ‘It’s just the number of guys we have at that position. Omri’s been great … As far as him playing and things like that, he’s probably going to get another shot at it. It’s just a matter of time and me finagling some other lineups and things like that. As far as I know, he’s been great.’ Scott said Casspi has not been disgruntled in practice. ‘By no means,’ the coach said. ‘He’s been great at practice. He’s been great in the games, cheering for his teammates. He’s been a true professional in every sense of the word, I expect him to continue to be that way.’ Scott said he likely would talk to the young forward in the future. Casspi said the two have an open relationship and a good one.”