Central Rumors: Cavs, Cedi Osman, Pistons, Pacers

Cavaliers

It’s become pretty evident that the Cavs are seeking a wing, and league sources have told Hoops Wire they are dangling Cedi Osman more than Caris LeVert in search of some help.

The Cavs could potentially use Dylan Windler as a “throw-in” in a trade, sources added. As we wrote before, a trade of Osman and Windler for Spurs small forward Doug McDermott works, salary-wise.

Granted, there is no indication that the Cavs have an interest in McDermott, who is said to be available. They are believed to be seeking additional perimeter shooting, though.

“The Cavs have tried different players as the starting small forward this season, including Caris LeVert, Lamar Stevens and Isaac Okoro,” wrote Kelsey Russo of The Athletic. “Dean Wade also entered the year in that conversation, but he has dealt with injuries. Is there an available wing that offers an upgrade from their current options?”

As Russo also noted, the Cavs are short on first-round picks to offer in trades, so president of basketball operations Koby Altman will have to get creative to pull off a deal.

• For the record, several rival executives told Hoops Wire they envision the Cavs standing pat ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. “They made their big trade when they got (Donovan Mitchell) before the season,” said one.

Pistons

Small forward Bojan Bogdanovic remains a hot commodity ahead of the deadline, though the Pistons are holding firm on not moving him, per James Edwards III of The Athletic.

That, of course, could change.

“If a deal comes up that gives the Pistons an unprotected first-round pick, I think they seriously consider it,” Edwards wrote.

The Cavs, Lakers, Mavericks and several others have been linked to Bogdanovic in recent weeks.

• The Pistons are also having trade conversations on guard/forward Alec Burks, center Nerlens Noel and forward Saddiq Bey, per Edwards in a separate piece. “It would take favorable returns for the Pistons to part with (Bogdanovic, Burks or Bey) before the deadline,” Edwards wrote.

Pacers

• With center Myles Turner signed to a contract extension, and the Pacers clearly set at guard, they are likely to focus on a power forward at the deadline, per Bob Kravitz of The Athletic.
• As an aside, the Pacers are among the teams linked to Suns forward Jae Crowder, as well as Hawks forward John Collins. Though it does not appear they are in heavy pursuit of either player.