The Cleveland Cavaliers are not expected to make blockbuster deals before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, but reports reveal that they could still tweak their roster to improve their chances of winning the title this season.
According to Bob Finnan of The Mourning Journal, the Cavaliers are not looking to make big trades before Thursday unless an attractive offer comes along before the deadline. Instead, the Cavaliers are keeping an eye on players who might be bought out by their respective teams in the coming days.
Sources indicated that the Cavaliers were monitoring the situation of veteran forward Amar'e Stoudemire. The former All-Star reached a buyout agreement with the New York Knicks, but reports revealed the 32-year-old power forward has already committed to the Dallas Mavericks and will sign once he clears waivers.
But even with Stoudemire out of the picture, Finnan revealed that the Cavaliers still have other players on their list - Kevin Garnett of the Brooklyn Nets, David West of the Indiana Pacers and Larry Sanders of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Garnett, who is averaging 6.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game this season, could also get a buyout deal later in the season, which will give him a chance to sign with a strong title contender.
However, should Garnett secure a buyout from the Nets, previous reports indicated that the 38-year-old will likely sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and reunite with former coach with the Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers.
Sanders could also become a free agent in the coming days as reports revealed that the Bucks are in talks with the defensive-minded center, who has not played since Dec. 23 due to suspension and personal issues.
However, it is unclear at this point if Sanders, who averaged 7.3 points to go along with 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 27 games, is planning to return this season as previous reports indicated that the 26-year-old is thinking of retirement after just five seasons in the league.
West, who is averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this season, is an intriguing option for the Cavaliers, but reports revealed that the Pacers are not planning to make any moves before the deadline.
Aside from improving their frontline, the Cavaliers are reportedly eyeing another backup point guard for Kyrie Irving, and according to Finnan, the Cavs are still interested in acquiring Jameer Nelson, Norris Cole and even Ty Lawson, who is reportedly being shopped by the Denver Nuggets.
