While the Cavaliers intend to hold on to the No. 3 overall draft pick, they are among the most active teams in the league when it comes to trade talks, per Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Per previous reports, the Cavs have taken calls from at least the Knicks, Warriors, Magic, Raptors and Thunder in those teams’ attempts to move up. The Cavs have also attempted to move up and pry the top pick away from the Pistons.
But as it stands, they are likely to stay at No. 3 and choose whoever if left of G League shooting guard Jalen Green and USC center Evan Mobley.
They may not stop there, either. As Michael Scotto of HoopsHype first reported, the Cavs would also like to land another pick in the top 10. Givony seconded that report, so you know it must have some legs.
Along with that, of course, the Cavs have made leading scorer Collin Sexton available, and sources told Hoops Wire those trade talks have not lost any steam.
Other members of the roster, such as Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr., Cedi Osman and Taurean Prince are also being mentioned on the rumor mill — though it’s not known if the Cavs are actually having discussions involving those players.
One thing sources have repeatedly told Hoops Wire is that the Cavs are determined to trade Love. Attaching his large contract to a Sexton deal, perhaps in a multiteam trade, is generally viewed as the only way to do it.
Cleveland is also said to be among the more aggressive teams in talks with the 76ers’ centered on All-Star guard/forward Ben Simmons.
Other than that, about all we know is the Cavs have pretty much made point guard Darius Garland and small forward Isaac Okoro off limits in talks.
As for Thursday’s NBA Draft, most mock drafts have Mobley falling to the Cavs, and that includes the one put out by Givony.
“It appears highly unlikely they’ll be moving out of the No. 3 slot, with Mobley now looking like a virtual certainty to be picked, provided Sexton isn’t moved,” Givony wrote.
Center Jarrett Allen is a restricted free agent, and while rival teams such as the Raptors and Hornets are said to be strongly interested, the Cavs intend to keep him. That is true even if they draft Mobley, who many scouts believe can play power forward in the NBA.
“He can coexist in supersized lineups with big man Jarrett Allen, while shouldering backup center minutes as his body continues to fill out,” Givony wrote of Mobley.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
