Cleveland Cavaliers Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Reactions, Notes On Trade Sending Korver To Jazz

November 29th, 2018 at 8:48am CST by Luke Adams

The Cavaliers and the Jazz struck a deal on Wednesday, agreeing to a trade that will send Kyle Korver to Utah in exchange for Alec Burks and a pair of second-round picks. The move isn’t technically official yet, but Korver has already weighed in on it, speaking to Joe Vardon of The Athletic about his impending return to the Jazz.

“I’m thankful that (Cavaliers GM) Koby (Altman) and management were upfront and mindful of my family through this process and are sending us to a great city and organization,” Korver said. “We have lots of friendships there, which will soften the landing.”

As Vardon notes, the Cavaliers aren’t in a particularly good spot by now, and the organization’s image figures to take a hit this season as the losses pile up. However, players inside and outside of the organization will take notice that Cleveland kept Korver in the loop as they explored the trade market, ultimately moving him to a place where he and his family can be comfortable.

Here’s more on the swap between the Cavaliers and Jazz:

Although Cavaliers players recognize the team’s situation this season and will appreciate that the franchise sent Korver to a favorable destination, multiple players are a little upset by the trade, according to Vardon. Those players still want to win, and know that the Cavs’ outside shooting will take a big hit with Korver gone. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com has a handful of quotes from Cavs players reacting to the deal.
In the view of Jordan Greer of The Sporting News, the Korver swap is a win-win for the Cavaliers, who received an A- grade from Greer, and the Jazz, who got a B+.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com hears that the Cavaliers weren’t confident that Sixers guard Markelle Fultz would have been a strong enough return for Korver, since his shooting issues and possible shoulder problems made it difficult his true value.
Tony Jones of The Athletic and Eric Woodyard of The Deseret News explored the impact of the Korver deal from the Jazz‘s side.

Cavaliers Willing To Accept Long-Term Salary In Trades

November 28th, 2018 at 10:58am CST by Arthur Hill

As the Cavaliers look to unload some of their expensive veterans, they have informed teams that they will take on long-term salary in exchange for other assets, reports Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

With LeBron James gone and the playoffs seemingly out of reach, Cleveland has no interest in holding onto large contracts that will keep the organization near the luxury tax. The Cavs have already informally parted ways with J.R. Smith as they search for a taker for his $14.72MM salary, and several other players could be moved before the February 7 trade deadline.

Kyle Korver, who remains a dangerous 3-point shooter at age 37, should attract the most attention, according to Windhorst. Korver is shooting 46% from beyond the arc and is averaging 6.8 PPG. He is making $7.56MM with a $7.5MM salary for next season that won’t be guaranteed until July.

George Hill, who makes $19MM this season but only has a $1MM guarantee on his $18MM salary for 2019/20, will also be in demand, Windhorst adds. Hill is sidelined with a shoulder injury, but put up good numbers before being hurt. Channing Frye, who makes a modest $1.5MM but has only appeared in three games, is another candidate to go.

Windhorst notes that owner Dan Gilbert conducted a similar selloff when James left the team in 2010. The assets he collected in that process enabled him to bring in Kevin Love and some other valuable pieces when James returned four years later.

Rockets Looking For Wing Help

November 27th, 2018 at 7:30pm CST by ChrisCrouse

The Rockets‘ primary focus is acquiring wing talent, sources tell Kelly Iko of The Athletic. Iko’s source described Houston’s intensity in searching for a trade as “not in emergency mode, but not sitting back either.”

The Rockets have spoken to the Wizards about potential, trades but no player has been involved in “deep discussions” yet. Iko speculates that Markieff Morris, Jeff Green, and Kelly Oubre would fit what Houston is looking for.

Houston is also keeping an eye on the Cavaliers‘ situation. Cleveland guard J.R. Smith is currently on the trade block and the Cavs could look to move other veterans before the trade deadline.

Latest On Markelle Fultz

November 27th, 2018 at 2:39pm CST by Luke Adams

Multiple reports on Monday indicated that the Sixers likely won’t be providing an update on Markelle Fultz‘s status until later this week. The second-year point guard is visiting multiple specialists this week as those doctors attempt to determine what sort of physical issues are plaguing Fultz’s shoulder and wrist.

It will be interesting to see what sort of diagnoses those specialists provide, since not everyone is convinced that Fultz’s problems are physical. According to John Gonzalez of The Ringer, one team source asserted this week that Fultz’s issues are “definitely the yips,” while a source close to the former No. 1 pick insisted he’s hurt and is being bothered by a thumb injury.

In the view of Jordan Greer of The Sporting News, the Sixers and Fultz’s camp aren’t just at odds over whether his problems are physical or mental — the two sides also seem to be moving in opposite directions based on what’s best for the 20-year-old and what’s best for the team, according to Greer, who suggests that an “ugly divorce” may be on the horizon.

For their part, the 76ers have said that they expect Fultz to reclaim a role off the bench once he’s ready to get back on the court. However, Gonzalez is unconvinced that the Sixers are confident that will happen, or if they even want it to happen.

Here’s more on Fultz:

The trust that Fultz’s camp had in the Sixers has waned, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. League sources who have inquired on Fultz tell Kyler that they don’t think the former top pick will be on Philadelphia’s roster beyond this season’s trade deadline.
Following up on his report that the Cavaliers have inquired on Fultz, Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net says those conversations weren’t “serious,” but the two teams left the door open to talk later, and probably will do so. According to Kyler, the Cavs are believed to have discussed a deal centered around Kyle Korver and a draft pick.
After speaking to several league executives, John Gonzalez of The Ringer believes that even getting a late first-round pick or early second-rounder in a trade for Fultz might be a tall order for the Sixers.

Cavs Have Inquired On Markelle Fultz

November 26th, 2018 at 8:49am CST by Luke Adams

The Cavaliers have been in touch with the Sixers to inquire about the availability of former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz, league sources tell Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net.

While the Sixers have said publicly that they remain committed to Fultz, and agent Raymond Brothers has dismissed reports suggesting that his client would prefer to be traded, there continue to be whispers that Philadelphia may be ready to move on from the 20-year-old and has contemplated the idea of a deal — Keith Pompey of Philly.com reported as much over the weekend.

At the moment, the Sixers are waiting for Fultz to visit a specialist in New York, who will assess the health of his shoulder and wrist. The second-year guard was removed from Philadelphia’s starting lineup following the team’s acquisition of Jimmy Butler and then was pulled from the rotation altogether after Brothers advised him to see a specialist. His ability to return to action may hinge on the results of that evaluation.

As for the Cavaliers, they used their 2018 lottery pick on Collin Sexton, envisioning him as their point guard of the future. Still, as they prepare to enter a rebuilding phase, it makes sense for them to check in on a player like Fultz, who was considered an elite prospect less than a year and a half ago. Despite his positional overlap with Sexton, Fultz might be a worthwhile gamble if Cleveland could get him at a discount.

It’s also worth noting that Philadelphia was linked to Kyle Korver in the offseason and his salary would match Fultz’s in a potential deal. However, I’d be surprised if the 76ers were willing to trade in their former No. 1 pick for a fairly one-dimensional 37-year-old sharpshooter.

Cavaliers Notes: Sexton, Nwaba, Thompson, Smith

November 25th, 2018 at 12:57pm CST by Arthur Hill

Three weeks ago, there were grumblings from the Cavaliers’ locker room that rookie point guard Collin Sexton wasn’t ready for the NBA. Sexton has changed a lot of minds since then, punctuated by his 29-point performance in last night’s win over the Rockets, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

Coach Larry Drew ordered the Cavs’ veterans to stop making public statements about Sexton, who moved into the starting lineup when George Hill was sidelined by a shoulder injury. That gave Sexton a chance to gain the trust of his teammates and build up his confidence.

“He’s finding a really good rhythm,” Tristan Thompson said. “I think myself and the other veterans are finding ways to make it easier for him. In terms of sets we want to run, find a package of offensive sets that he likes, that he’s comfortable with and he can read and make plays off.”

Sexton is likely to keep the starting role when Hill returns to action, which should happen soon, Fedor adds.

There’s more news out of Cleveland:

Sexton’s numbers through his first 18 games are very similar to what Kyrie Irving did during his rookie season, notes Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Former coach Tyronn Lue limited Sexton’s playing time early in the year because he didn’t want to invite comparisons with Irving. However, in his eight starts since Hill’s injury, Sexton is posting a 19.6/3.4/2.6 line while shooting .508 from the field and 10 of 18 from 3-point range.
The Cavaliers’ improved play this week coincides with Drew’s decision to move David Nwaba into the starting lineup, Vardon adds in the same story. Nwaba has been matching up with elite offensive players — guarding LeBron James, Ben Simmons and James Harden this week — and easing the defensive burden on Sexton.
Thompson has changed from a liability to an important asset over the past year, states Sam Amico of AmicoHoops. The veteran center was injured and seemed uninterested for much of last season, Amico contends, but he put up a pair of double-doubles over the weekend against the Sixers and Rockets. He has one more season left on his contract at more than $18.5MM.
The Cavs have also been better since parting ways with J.R. Smith, Amico adds, suggesting that having an unhappy veteran in the locker room was weighing down the team.

Fedor: Cavs Better Off Without J.R. Smith

November 22nd, 2018 at 4:49pm CST by Luke Adams

J.R. Smith will remain away from the Cavaliers while they try to trade him, and in the view of Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the club is better off without him. On Wednesday, we asked you what’s next for Smith.

Khris Middleton In Line For Significant Raise In 2019

November 22nd, 2018 at 3:10pm CST by Luke Adams

While much of the speculation about the 2019 NBA free agent class has focused on stars like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, and Kyrie Irving, Sean Deveney of The Sporting News points to Bucks swingman Khris Middleton as another free-agent-to-be who could command a star-level salary next summer.

Although Middleton has flown somewhat under the radar during conversations about 2019 free agency, Deveney says there’s speculation around the NBA that the 27-year-old will be able to land a maximum-salary – or near-max – contract.

According to Deveney, it’s a “foregone conclusion” that Middleton, who is earning $13MM this season with a $13MM player option for 2019/20, will opt out next summer, since he could very well double his salary. His market could be similar to Klay Thompson‘s, in the view of at least one NBA general manager.

“He is as good a two-way wing as Klay,” the GM told The Sporting News. “Nearly as good a shooter, as good a defender, a better playmaker. You can run things through him more than you can do with Klay. Khris would be as big a star as Klay if he were playing in Golden State, and he’s probably going to get similar money.”

The Bucks, off to a great start this season with Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way, are prepared for Middleton to reach free agency and plan to be aggressive in their attempts to re-sign him, writes Deveney.

Milwaukee will likely face plenty of competition though, given the amount of teams projected to have cap room. Sources tell The Sporting News that the Lakers and Clippers figure to be among the clubs with interest, while Deveney also cites the Knicks, Mavericks, and Cavaliers as possible suitors.

For his part, Middleton – who has posted 19.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.4 APG, and a .460/.423/.919 shooting line through 17 games – admits it’s “good to hear” that he’s highly valued around the NBA. However, he downplayed his interest in looking ahead to a potential payday.

“I have always been the kind of guy who just takes it one day at a time,” Middleton said to Deveney. “Focus on what needs to be done that day. Don’t think too far ahead. Once you start thinking too far ahead, you get distracted by things that don’t matter on that day. So that doesn’t matter.”

LeBron’s Return And The Kyrie Irving Trade

November 22nd, 2018 at 10:16am CST by Arthur Hill

The Cavaliers believed LeBron James was eventually headed to the Lakers as far back as 2016, but they missed an opportunity to send him off with another championship by mishandling the Kyrie Irving trade, writes Jason Lloyd of The Athletic.

Irving and the Cavs were both trying to protect themselves from the fallout of LeBron’s departure, Lloyd adds. Irving submitted a trade request that eventually landed him in Boston. Cleveland’s front office started the rebuilding process by making the Nets’ unprotected first-rounder the key part of an otherwise underwhelming package from the Celtics that also brought Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a second-round pick in 2020.

James was criticized for not reaching out to Irving and trying to change his mind about leaving the team, but he doesn’t believe he could have made a difference.

“I think by the time it got to me he wanted to be traded, I think he was already gone,” James said. “He was already gone and it was up to the organization to do their job and try to keep him as well. The guy still had two years left on his contract. They didn’t have to give him up. It could’ve been repaired then. Bring him in, let’s see what happens. I don’t think his stock drops if he still comes to Cleveland, see what happens and at the trade deadline you could still do it then.”

The Cavaliers were able to make their fourth straight trip to the NBA Finals without Irving, but they were swept by the Warriors. Lloyd recalls that many of the Cavs’ players thought Golden State was beatable last year, but they didn’t have enough star power to make it happen.

There’s more from LeBron’s triumphant return to Cleveland:

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert opted to skip Wednesday’s game, Lloyd adds, which underscores the state of his relationship with James. Although Gilbert’s reaction to James’ departure this time was more dignified than the letter he wrote in 2010, the relationship between owner and player has never fully recovered.
James received a loud ovation from Cavaliers fans during pre-game introductions and was grateful for a highlight video the organization put together, relays Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. The video highlighted James’ accomplishments on the court and in the community, including the I Promise School that his foundation helped to establish. “They did it the right way,” Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson said of the video. “I think everyone understood and was almost like, We appreciate this guy, he’s given us so much, he’s given us everything he’s got, so we appreciate it. If he wants to move on and start another chapter in his life, we’re all for it.'”
Last night’s warm reception was a stark contrast to how James was received when he returned to Cleveland with the Heat, notes Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. In 2010, James was viewed as a traitor by fans and was portrayed as a villain by the team. “From the time we landed yesterday, it just felt a different way,” he said. “I’m a different person. We’re all different from eight years ago, I think, both good and bad.”

Kevin Love Likely Out Until At Least January

November 21st, 2018 at 9:45am CST by Luke Adams

When the Cavaliers issued a press release on November 2 announcing Kevin Love‘s toe surgery, they indicated he’d miss at least the next six weeks. Addressing his injury on Tuesday during an appearance on ESPN’s The Jump, Love said his absence will almost certainly extend beyond that initial six-week timetable.

“There’s just no telling at this time with the weight-bearing injury what it is going to be like moving forward,” Love said. “But I expect to be back sometime after the new year.”

The 2-13 Cavaliers have the NBA’s worst record and have essentially waved the white flag on the 2018/19 season already, focusing more on developing young players than fighting their way back up the standings. As such, they certainly won’t rush Love back onto the court — it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the veteran’s absence extend well into the new year.

If Love is able to return at some point before the February 7 trade deadline, it’s possible he’ll emerge as a candidate to be dealt this season, since he becomes trade-eligible on January 24. However, his recovery from toe surgery and his new contract extension will cloud his value. Love’s new deal keeps him under contract through the 2022/23 season, and his average annual salary once the extension kicks in next year will be $30MM.