With the NBA trade deadline on Thursday at 3 PM ET, time is running out for the Cavaliers to make a move to improve their depth for the playoffs. The Cavaliers have been linked to many players, and with the recent blockbuster trade involving DeMarcus Cousins between Sacramento and New Orleans, that list has gained a few names.
Windhorst: The player to watch for the Cavs is Langston Galloway. If he is waived by the Kings I think the Cavs would love to have him.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 21, 2017
The first new target is Langston Galloway. He was part of the package that the Pelicans sent to the Kings for Cousins. Galloway is a combo guard, capable of running the offense. Through 55 games with the Pelicans this season, he’s averaged 8.6 points, 1.2 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 37.4 percent and 37.7 percent from three. For his career, he’s shot just 39% from two, and 36% from three. Galloway is not a great passer, or a huge offensive threat, and plays average defense.
Galloway probably isn’t exactly the playmaker LeBron James is looking for, but he would be a decent depth piece capable of playing multiple positions and hitting the 3.
SAC will buyout/waive Tyrke Evans, Langston Galloway or potentially both.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) February 20, 2017
The next player is Tyreke Evans. The fourth overall pick in 2009, Evans has never quite lived up to his potential, largely due to injuries. He has played in 26 games this season, averaging 9.5 points and 3.5 assists on 40% shooting. Evans is not a good 3pt shooter, at only 29% for his career.
Evans excels at getting to the basket and scoring, and is not a catch and shoot threat. However, he, like Galloway, is capable of playing point guard and distributing. Evans would be a nice addition as another scorer, but new signee Derrick Williams already fills that role, and Williams is 6’8” and able to defend against larger players.
SAC has listened to Darren Collison offers (as I wrote last week). Now, executives believe he'll definitely be traded. He's an UFA in July.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 20, 2017
The most intriguing name by far is Darren Collison. He is exactly what the Cavaliers currently lack; a dependable, veteran point guard who can run the offense and shoot the ball. This season, Collison is averaging 13.7 points, and 4.2 assists per game, while shooting 48%, and a very good 42% from deep. Collison would provide the Cavs with an experienced floor general, while adding another offensive threat.
The question remains as to if the Kings will waive or buy out Collison, or simply wait for a trade, as he is a desired commodity around the league. The Cavaliers and David Griffin should make a move for him if the opportunity presents itself.
