Mike Dunleavy's sense of humor travels no matter his employer.
That's why, after meeting with Cavaliers officials Friday, he joked in a phone conversation that his Central Division tour continues.
Only the Pistons remain for Dunleavy, whom the Bulls officially traded Thursday night to take his $4.8 million salary off the books for the salary cap space to sign Dwyane Wade. The 14-year veteran played for the Pacers and Bucks previously.
"Obviously I knew if they needed to get cap room, I would be a guy they could move," Dunleavy said. "It came together pretty quickly. When I woke up Wednesday morning, I definitely didn't think I would get traded that night. But it certainly ended up well. I was very appreciative of the Bulls to send me to a place like Cleveland."
Coincidentally, the Cavaliers _ and in particular, one LeBron James _ aggressively recruited Dunleavy when he chose to re-sign with the Bulls in 2015.
"I was committed to the Bulls last summer. I really wanted to try to make it work there," he said. "Things didn't work out the way we all envisioned. I guess I was destined to end up in Cleveland at some point with my travels around the Central Division."
Dunleavy hasn't discussed his role yet with Cavaliers' officials _ "I think they know what I can do," he said _ and admitted joining the defending NBA champions creates both excitement and envy.
"They already have reached the mountaintop and I wasn't a part of it," he said. "So I'm sure there will be a lot of envious moments on my end next year when they have ring night. It will make me hungrier to help them get another one."
