READ MORE – Dellavedova signs with Cleveland Cavaliers
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MARYBOROUGH’S Matthew Dellavedova is returning to the team in which he is an NBA champion with – the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Dellavedova on Saturday was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks back to the Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal that also involves the Washington Wizards.
Dellavedova was in his third season with the Bucks, having previously played three with the Cavaliers.
“Thanks to the Bucks for the opportunity – all the best to the boys and everyone involved – great people,” Dellavedova tweeted.
He also tweeted: “Cleveland, thanks for the love, let’s go!!! #18”
Dellavedova will wear No.18 in Cleveland, rather than his former No.8, which is now worn by Jordan Clarkson.
Other components of the trade also include centre John Henson being moved from the Bucks to the Cavaliers, while Cleveland’s George Hill is headed to Milwaukee.
“We’re very pleased to bring Delly back to Cleveland and want to welcome John Henson as well,” Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman said.
“This deal satisfied several important aspects for us in terms of having both long and shorter term benefits and assets involved.
“We will continue to look for ways to improve and strengthen our position for the future, while enhancing our ability to compete and grow in the short term also.”
Dellavedova played in the NBA Finals in two of his three seasons in his first stint at Cleveland, which included being part of the Cavaliers’ team that came from 3-1 down to defeat the Golden State Warriors in 2015-16.
Following the 2015-16 championship Dellavedova signed a four-year, $US38 million contract with Milwaukee.
Dellavedova, 28, returns to what is now a struggling Cavaliers’ team that is 5-20 and no longer has superstar LeBron James, who is now with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In contrast, he departs a Bucks’ team whose 16-7 record is the second best in the eastern conference, but one in which he has struggled for court time, averaging a career low 8.1 minutes per game this season.
“We wish Delly and John well and thank them for their many contributions both on and off the court,” Bucks general manager Jon Horst said.
Cleveland is scheduled to play Milwaukee twice in the next week.
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