David Zalubowski l Associated Press
With the trade deadline right around the corner, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been doing their due diligence and finding ways to improve the current roster by reportedly fielding calls for a number of players. Considering the team’s payroll and the lack of must-have assets, expectations need to be checked when it comes to the quality that the Cavs could get in return.
The team’s situation is not that bad as far as being buyers. They have pieces that can offer cap relief in the expiring contract of Anderson Varejao, Jared Cunningham, and also their trade exceptions from the separate deals for Brendan Haywood ($10.5 million), Mike Miller ($2.85 million), and Joe Harris ($845,000). They also have their 2018 first round pick to spare.
On that note, here are Cavs Nation’s picks, with help from ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine, for players that the Cavaliers can target before the trade deadline buzzer sounds. Note that these potential trade scenarios are outside of the rumors that have swirled involving Kyle Korver and Jared Dudley.
Darrell Arthur
The Denver Nuggets aren’t going anywhere and they have a logjam at the power forward and center spot. They already have a trio of promising bigs plus the reliable Kenneth Faried, so letting go of Arthur would not make any impact at all. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers could use Arthur’s ability to knock down shots from mid-range along with his shot blocking. Arthur would be a very serviceable insurance big for Cleveland and the trade exception in the Mike Miller trade, which ironically came from Denver, perfectly accommodates Arthur’s salary.
Click “Next” to see the fourth trade target the Cavs need to consider!
Kim Klement l USA TODAY Sports
Channing Frye
Outside of Kevin Love, the Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have another stretch big man – James Jones is not a legitimate power forward. Love’s ability to spread the floor plays a big part in Cleveland’s offense that is why Frye’s presence in the second unit allows the team to have continuity in terms of what they want to run, not to mention how he creates more space for Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. Hard as it is, Varejao must go to make way for Frye. Varejao’s veteran presence would be very useful in the development of Orlando’s franchise big, Nikola Vucevic.
Click “Next” to see the third trade target the Cavs need to consider!
Darren Abate l FRE
Corey Brewer
Corey Brewer is still a useful piece in Houston but the Rockets already have the luxury of having James Harden and Trevor Ariza to gobble up minutes at the wing. K.J. McDaniels offers a lot of upside and it might be wise for Houston to see what they got in the versatile wingman. Given that Brewer earns more than $7 million this season, the Cavaliers could use part of the TPE from the Brendan Haywood deal to get them an upgrade at the backup wing position. The Rockets are over the cap and the money being saved could become useful when they try to extend the contract of Terrence Jones.
Click “Next” to see the second trade target the Cavs need to consider!
Jonathan Bachman l Associated Press
Jeff Green
First off, the Memphis Grizzlies are right in the middle of the West’s playoff picture. That’s why in spite of Marc Gasol’s possible season ending injury, it still makes sense for the Grizzlies to continue competing with their grit-and-grind lineup. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in need of another wing who can play defense and shoot the ball. That is why a straight swap involving Jeff Green and Anderson Varejao makes perfect sense for both teams. Green fits what the Cavs need and he can defend the likes of Draymond Green if needed. On the other hand, Varejao addresses Memphis’ lack of big bodies. Both are also on expiring deals.
Click “Next” to see the top trade target the Cavs need to consider!
David Zalubowski l AP Images
Tyson Chandler
With injuries to its starters and the uncertainty that is lingering around the team, the Phoenix Suns are absolute sellers this trading season. The Suns are over the cap and they possess veteran players who have no part in the team’s future plans despite being very productive this season. Leading the way is former NBA champion Tyson Chandler. He could be packaged along with Jon Leuer for two of Cleveland’s centers with expiring deals in Anderson Varejao and Timofey Mozgov. This saves Phoenix tons of cash especially next summer and they will have the rest of this season to develop the promising Alex Len. Meanwhile, Cleveland gets a huge boost to their frontline with the addition of the former Defensive Player of the Year in Chandler.
