Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is on his way to the Houston Rockets, but not before a host of others explored a deal. The Cleveland Cavaliers were reportedly on that list.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Cavs were among those that had “emerged as wild-suitors” in Durant trade talks.
No specifics were given beyond that, but Hoops Wire has learned that it was more of a feeling-out process than an intense attempt to land Durant.
That said, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman has been active in trying to find ways to improve the roster (and perhaps shed a little salary) ahead of the NBA Draft on Wednesday. Cleveland has two picks — in the second round, on Thursday — and could trade both.
Rumors are also swirling that the Cavs have explored trade scenarios involving Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade. At this point, they haven’t gotten very far, it seems.
As for Durant, the Cavs were never really too involved. But it never hurts to ask, and that’s been the Altman Way in building a roster that finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference (64-18) this past season. Now, Altman and the Cavs are seeking a way to get over the top when it really counts.
In exchange for Durant, the Suns will receive Rockets leading scorer Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick in the draft, and five second-rounders.
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