NBA scout not sold on reported Cavs targets Jonathan Kuminga, Peyton Watson

A rival NBA scout isn’t convinced that either of the Cavaliers’ supposed wing targets would necessarily make them better.

In fact, when it comes to Jonathan Kuminga, the scout thinks the Cavs could be taking a step backward.

“The Cavs are not a better team if they lose Dean Wade and Max Strus and replace them with Jonathan Kuminga,” the scout told Hoops Wire. “Probably worse. I’d say Strus is better on his own than Kuminga when it comes to versatility and work ethic.”

That’s certainly one evaluator’s opinion, but it’s an interesting one as the Cavs continue exploring ways to reshape the roster.

They’ve been linked to Kuminga and Denver restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with their search for another wing ongoing after Friday’s Dennis Schroder trade created additional financial flexibility. Recent reports have continued to connect Cleveland with both players.

The scout wasn’t exactly pounding the table for Watson, either.

“I’m up in the air on Peyton Watson for them,” he told Hoops Wire. “Nothing special. Might be a Klutch headache. He will at least shoot, which Wade is afraid to do.”

The Cavs clearly see upside in both younger forwards, and at 23, Watson in particular would offer size and defensive potential at a position they’ve been trying to address.

The scout’s larger point, though, was that the Cavs shouldn’t feel compelled to make their next move before the season begins.

“If they’re going to trade Strus, I’d probably hold out for someone better,” he told Hoops Wire. “They can wait to do it in-season.”

“You don’t have to make a move for October. You need to make one for April and May.”

That may ultimately be the bigger question for the Cavs. They’ve created flexibility and clearly remain interested in upgrading on the wing. But creating flexibility doesn’t mean they have to spend it immediately.

Sometimes the best move available in August is waiting for a better one in January or February.

Kuminga is 6-foot-7 and appeared in a combined 36 games last season with the Warriors and Hawks. He averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds on 46.3 percent shooting from the field (33.3 percent on threes).

Watson is 6-8 and played in 54 games with the Nuggets, averaging 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds. He shot 49.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent on threes.