Cavs Ramp Up Idea of Adding Talented Wing

For the Cavaliers, it’s hardly a must or an act of desperation.

But it’s become clear that they would like to add stability, reliability, and scoring at the small forward position. 

And you can hardly blame president of basketball operations Koby Altman if he does indeed feel that way. The Cavs had an opening at starting small forward before the season and still do. No one has stepped up to claim it.

Yes, Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, Lamar Stevens and Dean Wade (when healthy) have all had their moments. But no one has proven to be the exact fit — and we’re now at about the midpoint of the season.

So what will Altman do? Well, as the guy in charge of the roster, he’ll do what he’s proven to do very well, and that’s explore the market to see who’s available and how the Cavs might land them.

The latest from Chis Fedor of Cleveland.com suggests that the Cavs have an interest in Mavericks guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr., known mostly for his outside shooting and offering a steady hand alongside star Luka Doncic.

Hoops Wire sources have confirmed that interest, as well as their interest in Pistons small forward Bojan Bogdanovic. Other names to keep an eye on, Hoops Wire has learned — Spurs forward Doug McDermott, Clippers shooting guard Luke Kennard and Pistons guard/forward Alec Burks. They have also been linked to Hornets guard/forward Kelly Oubre Jr., via Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Here is what Fedor said about Hardaway during a stop on the podcast from Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports:

“Tim Hardaway Jr. is somebody that the Cavs have been watching and they’ve been keeping an eye on. And I think if the Cavs had their choice, it would be very, very close. And they’re not going to have their choice, it doesn’t work that way, but if they had their choice, it would be between Bojan and Tim Hardaway Jr.”

That is undoubtedly correct — the Cavs don’t have the final say in this. You need a partner to agree to a potential offer. And if you’re the Cavs, you’re in a pretty good spot as is. There is no need to blow it up.

That said, you also have some pieces, and it never hurts to see what type of return they might garner. 

Multiple sources have told Hoops Wire the Cavs are not looking to trade LeVert, but they are indeed open to it. Same goes for Cedi Osman. They’re less inclined to move Okoro, sources said.

Basically, with the trade deadline still a month away, it seems all the Cavs are doing now is throwing out ideas and exploring. As is always the case with Altman, though, the desire to improve is often met with action.

And if the Cavs feel like they need some help at small forward, Altman has proven he will go out and get it.

Cavs among the teams with trade interest in Kelly Oubre, per @TheSteinLine, prior to Oubre getting injured. He may be out until after trade deadline. https://t.co/41JZyJT96r

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) January 7, 2023