The Cleveland Cavaliers are in full, win-now mode. LeBron James isn’t getting any younger, and the franchise feels that if there was any time to win, it would be now.
A few names mentioned over the past couple of days have been Kyle Korver from the Atlanta Hawks as well as Ben McLemore and Kosta Koufos of the Sacramento Kings.
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The Cavs have reportedly been gauging the trade market for Timofey Mozgov over the past couple of days, and according to Brian Windhorst and Marc Stein of ESPN, Iman Shumpert seem to be available via trade as well.
Sources say that the Cavs, though, have been more and more active in recent days in pursuing upgrades to their bench, with center Timofey Mozgov and swingman Iman Shumpert — both in the midst of down seasons after their mid-season arrivals in 2014-15 — said to be available. Players who interest Cleveland, sources say, include dream target Kyle Korver (who would naturally be very difficult to pry from Atlanta) and Kings reserves Ben McLemore and Kosta Koufos.
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This comes as quite the shocker, as Shumpert just signed a four-year, $40 million deal with the team this past summer. He came off late this season thanks to a wrist injury in the offseason, and has struggled from the floor this season. Shumpert has averaged 6.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals on 38.8% shooting in 24 minutes per game this season. Last year, Shumpert finished the regular season at 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals on 415 shooting in 24 minutes.
Mozgov is the most likely player to be dealt ahead of the trade deadline, and Shump’s connection with the rest of his team and ability to lock up offensive players whenever the Cavs need him to makes it a bit of a questionable decision to put him on the block.
Stay tuned for the latest on the Cavs trade rumors ahead of the trade deadline!