Report: Cavs expect Kyrie Irving to play 'well before' January

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have Kyrie Irving available before the new year after all.

According to Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer, the Cavs expect Irving to play 'well before' January, which would be more in line with the 3-4 month timeline first reported after Irving fractured his kneecap in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. This report comes about two weeks after the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported that Irving might be out until January and that chances of him playing on opening night are 'slim'.

With NBA training camp opening at the end of the month, we are likely near some sort of official word on Irving's status. There's obviously a huge difference in Irving missing opening night and Irving being out until January and once Irving gets to training camp and goes through some workouts with the team, there is likely be some indication as to how much time Irving will miss at the start of the 2015-16 season, if any.

Pluto also reported that center Sasha Kaun, who the Cavs reportedly signed to a two-year deal in August, will make $1.2 million in the first year of the deal.