Cavs Eyeing Ross, LeVert, Covington, Gordon, Harris Ahead Of Deadline

As first reported by Hoops Wire, the Cavaliers have trade interest in guard/forward Terrence Ross, reportedly being made available by the Magic.

Multiple reports have also indicated the Cavs have had conversations about Pacers guard/forward Caris LeVert, while others have suggested that Rockets guard Eric Gordon is on Cleveland’s radar.

Now, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has confirmed the Cavs’ interest in all three players, and also threw the name of Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington into the mix.

That’s not all.

“The Cavaliers also like Joe Harris from afar, but it would take a star for Harris to be included in any package from Brooklyn’s perspective,” per Scotto.

Basically, the Cavs are aiming to get a boost to their backcourt scoring, or at least their defense on the wing (Covington), without surrendering a significant player from their core.

Ross, Covington and Gordon are the types of players who presumably could be acquired in that fashion. LeVert would probably take a little more, such as injured guard Collin Sexton and the Cavs’ first-round pick.

But it’s pretty clear the Cavs (29-19) feel all of those players could fit in seamlessly, offering a lift to their already strong playoff chances.

For now, it appears the Cavs are dangling the expiring contract of injured guard Ricky Rubio and draft assets in trade talks ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline. So it appears that any discussions with rival teams start with Rubio, and to a much lesser degree, Sexton.

If the Cavs could land a Ross or Gordon without surrendering Sexton … well, let’s just say that would be the preference.

Sources have told Hoops Wire that Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and rookie Evan Mobley are off limits, and it would take a whale of an offer for the Cavs to include the likes of Isaac Okoro, Lauri Markkanen and yes, even Kevin Love in any deal. Nor is Cedi Osman being made readily available.

Overall, again, the Cavs’ mission is to land help while keeping their rotation of the top eight-to-10 players intact. Given the assets they have, such a feat isn’t viewed as an impossibility around the league.

“LeVert, Gordon, and Ross are all under contract for at least one more season beyond 2021/22, which perhaps increases their appeal for the Cavs, who wouldn’t want to give up any significant assets for a rental,” wrote Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors.