With the NBA’s trade deadline approaching fast (Feb. 8 at 3:00 p.m. EST), several teams around the league are searching for potential trade partners, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets.
There have been subtle hints in recent days indicating that the Cavs are interested in Hornets point guard Kemba Walker, but is Charlotte willing to listen to offers from Cleveland? The answer appears to be yes, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Windhorst joined The Dan LeBetard Show on Wednesday morning to discuss the situation, stating that trade talks between the Cavs and Hornets have “gained traction.”
Walker, now 27 years of age, is under contract with the Hornets through the 2018-19 season at a reasonable $12 million. In his 51 games played this season, the former University of Connecticut stand-out has turned in averages of 22.6 points on 42.4 percent shooting from the field (36.7 percent from beyond the arc), 5.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds.
The Hornets could also be looking to move Dwight Howard and Nicolas Batum, though their contracts are a bit steep. Batum’s salary is set at roughly $24.5 million for the next three years.
Who (or what) would the Cavs be willing to offer?
According to several reports, the Cavs would consider trading their coveted first round pick from the Brooklyn Nets, but only for a proper return. Cleveland would move certain players as well, but exactly who remains to be seen. Some experts and analysts have speculated that the Cavs are willing to part ways with players like Isaiah Thomas, J.R. Smith, Tristan Thompson, or even Channing Frye.
Whether or not the Cavs and Hornets will be able to complete a trade remains to be seen, but that proverbial clock on the wall is ticking. Be sure to keep your browsers locked on Cavs Nation for more updates on this topic as they become available.
