With injuries to key members of the Cleveland Cavaliers backcourt currently sidelined, the team is currently in a position of need as the NBA trade deadline nears.
The main vessel for the Cavaliers in a trade to add a difference-making combo guard is the expiring contract of injuries guard Ricky Rubio for salary-matching purposes.
When coupled with draft capital as the enticement of a potential offer, Cleveland has some options. But, it may take being willing to part with more value in order to get a deal done.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Cleveland Cavaliers have attempted to pursue Caris LeVert in talks with the Indiana Pacers and Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets, but the asking price has been ‘too high’ to get a deal done for either player.
The Cavaliers have a similar offer to make with Ricky Rubio’s deal, and Cleveland has far greater draft capital to go out and acquire a perimeter difference-maker. While the Cavs have placed calls on wing reinforcements such as Eric Gordon and Caris LeVert, both the Rockets’ and Pacers’ asking prices have been described as too high for Cleveland.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Cavaliers-Rockets Trade Is Focused On Eric Gordon
Fischer also reported the Cavaliers seem to prefer packaging Rubio with a pair of second-round picks as opposed to including a first-round pick in their offer for either Gordon. Houston feels they can receive a first-round pick in exchange for Gordon while the Pacers seek more than a first-round selection.
The Cavaliers seem to prefer sending two second-round picks to acquire either player, but the Rockets believe they can get a first-rounder for Gordon, and the Pacers are seeking more than a first-round pick for LeVert.
With the Cavaliers holding a 31-20 record on the season, they rank fourth in the Eastern Conference standings and are very well in the mix to make noise in the NBA playoffs. With potential matchups against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, or Chicago Bulls, a difference-making backcourt talent could go a long way in potentially winning a first-round series.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Guards For Cleveland Cavaliers To Pursue Amid Injury Crisis
The Cleveland Cavaliers likely will need to be willing to part with a first-round pick in a potential deal with either the Indiana Pacers or Houston Rockets. As the NBA trade deadline, it will be something to watch.
