NBA Trade Rumors: Cavaliers exploring 2-for-1 trade options to avoid luxury tax hit
The Cleveland Cavaliers are at the top of the NBA right now with a 23-4 record. At this point, the Cavs look like real contenders but that does not mean there isn't any room to try and improve. According to rumors, the front office is looking to do just that by getting involved in the trade market.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs are in a position to do a 2-for-1 trade at the deadline. Aside from addressing some needs, this move will also help the franchise to get back beneath the luxury tax threshold.
Doing so will also reportedly address a possible logjam that will likely occur once everyone is fully healthy. Max Strus is still listed as out due to an ankle injury and Isaac Okoro is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a sprained joint in his shoulder.
Strus has yet to play a single game this season. The Cavaliers wing was reportedly injured during workouts on Oct. 17. Strus was the full-time starter for the Cavs last season, starting in all 70 games he played in.
With him being sidelined this season, Dean Wade filled in as a starter in the first seven games of the season. Afterward, Okoro took over as the starter. However, with him going down as well, the Cavs could be looking to upgrade their wing depth.
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NBA writer names 3 players whom the Cavaliers could target
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a great dynamic right now as evidenced by their league-leading 23-4 start. Trading for a star at this point could mess with the chemistry they have. Besides, they do not have the assets for a blockbuster trade unless they want to get rid of one of their stars, which is unlikely.
However, they are in a position to acquire some role players. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer wrote in the Dec. 12 edition of the "Stein Line" that Cleveland is in the market for a wing.
NBA writer Greg Swartz named three forwards who could be a solid addition to the current Cavs roster.
According to Swartz, Larry Nance Jr. is a prime target for Cleveland. He has only played in 11 of the Atlanta Hawks' 28 games and could use a change of scenery.
The next player on Swartz's list is sharpshooter Corey Kispert. Kispert has come off the bench for the Washington Wizards all season long but his talents could better serve a contender. So far this year, he has made 32.5% of his 3-pointers while averaging 5.9 attempts per game.
Finally, Swartz lists Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin as another potential target. Martin is a versatile forward who can shoot, rebound and defend.