Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly all "making overtures" to the Detroit Pistons about the cost of trading for the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.

ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported Wednesday the talks are at an "early stage," but he noted the Pistons will be "active in exploring the possibility of trading down" heading toward the July 29 event.

Detroit general manager Troy Weaver said he was "ecstatic" about winning the draft lottery last month and explained they hadn't narrowed down the top prospect on their board despite Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham being the presumptive top choice.

"There's about four or five of 'em I felt that way about," Weaver told reporters. "Now we're No. 1, so we get to pick the best one we see fit to move us forward. That's the goal. Whoever we pick, that's the No. 1 goal—to continue to help us restore the Pistons and build this franchise back to where it once was."

He also confirmed a potential trade down would be part of the decision-making process.

"Yes, that's an option," Weaver said.

If the Pistons are intrigued by a handful of prospects atop the class, there's certainly a case to make for trading down and acquiring as many extra assets as possible while they try to rebuild a roster that struggled en route to a 20-52 record this season.

Among the teams linked to a possible deal, the Rockets (No. 2) and Cavs (No. 3) are close behind in the order and would still give Detroit an opportunity to select from the class' mostly consensus top four—USC center Evan Mobley, Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs and G League guard Jalen Green.

The Thunder (No. 6) and Pelicans (No. 10) would likely have to include some young impact players or a large cache of future assets in order to jump all the way to the No. 1 spot. OKC also owns Nos. 16 and 18 in this year's first round.

That said, landing a true franchise cornerstone like Cunningham may be too good to pass up for Detroit in the end. Givony called him the "overwhelming favorite" to end up with the Pistons despite the team's interest in Mobley and Green.

The 6'8", 220-pound guard is an NBA-ready talent who averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 threes and 1.6 steals while shooting 40.0 percent from beyond the arc in his only college season.

It's hard to imagine the Pistons passing on the Oklahoma State standout unless the offer includes another top-five pick in this year's draft and a king's ransom of other assets to seriously jump-start their rebuild.

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly have "plenty of interested suitors" if they're willing to trade the No. 3 overall pick in July 29's 2021 NBA draft.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported Friday there's been some "cursory conversations" between the Cavs and those teams, but so far there isn't "anything of substance."

The Cavaliers were expected to go through a rebuilding phase after LeBron James departed in 2018 to join the Los Angeles Lakers following four straight NBA Finals appearances. The lack of progress in climbing back up the Eastern Conference standings is starting to become a concern, though.

After posting records of 19-63 and 19-46 over the previous two years, Cleveland only showed modest improvement with a 22-50 record during the 2020-21 season, missing the play-in tournament by 11 games.

Cavs general manager Koby Altman expressed confidence about the team's plan in late May:

There is a lot of optimism about where we are as a franchise. We tasked ourself with building this thing through the draft and creating a young core of talented players. While this year was a lot about development, it was a lot about evaluation too. I think a lot of questions were answered for us in terms of the excitement level of that young core. The future is really, really bright. The next step is we have to supplement that talent.

The 2021 draft class is loaded with talent, so there's an argument for trading down to acquire additional assets, but there's still risk associated with passing up one of the top three prospects—Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Green.

Mobley wouldn't be a perfect fit since the Cavaliers already feature Jarrett Allen at center, but either Cunningham or Green could provide a much-needed boost on the wing.

In turn, Fedor noted Cleveland would be seeking a "massive offer" to consider moving the No. 3 selection.

The Cavs do have some building blocks in place with Allen, Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Isaac Okoro, so there's a path toward the rebuild finally turning the corner with a strong offseason.

Altman and Co. must decide whether a high-end prospect like Green moves them closer to that goal than what they could receive in a trade for the third pick.

If Evan Mobley is on the board for the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, they'll have an interesting decision to make: Do they take the talented big man despite the possible positional clash with Jarrett Allen, or do they hone in on a different player? 

They might not have to worry about any positional overlap between Allen and Mobley, however. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, "sources say the Cavs believe Mobley can thrive at 4 or 5," which in theory would allow him to play on the court alongside Allen at the 5. 

Now, that might be a smokescreen as the Cavs try to hide their plans and favored targets ahead of the draft.

But it seems very likely that the Detroit Pistons will draft Cade Cunningham with the top overall pick, while ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported Tuesday that "most teams think the Rockets will end up prioritizing the shot creation and playmaking ability of Jalen Green over Mobley" with the No. 2 pick.

That is going to leave the Cavaliers with one of four options:

• Take Mobley despite any potential overlap with Allen
• Take point guard Jalen Suggs despite a current backcourt of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland
• Dip outside of what is believed to be a top tier of four prospects (Cunningham, Green, Mobley, Suggs) to draft a player who better fits the current roster like Jonathan Kuminga or Scottie Barnes
• Trade back

Ultimately, the Cavaliers should take the top player on their board and let the chips fall where they may, even if it ends up being another big man. Adding talent is never a wrong option. And a Mobley selection certainly wouldn't mean Allen is heading out of town—he assuredly will either be re-signed or any offer sheet he signs as a restricted free agent will be matched. 

“One of our biggest successes all season was trading for Jarrett Allen,” general manager Koby Altman told reporters after the season, per Fedor. “He remains a remarkable fit for us, this team, our culture, what we need. He loves it here and wants to be here. Obviously we traded a draft asset to get him, so we certainly think highly of him and we want him to be here long term.”

And it would be worth at least experimenting with an Allen-Mobley frontcourt. As Fedor reported, "Most scouts and executives that spoke with Cleveland.com over the last few days have been quick to label Mobley a 4, not a 5, thanks to his mobility, perimeter game, quick feet, athleticism, defensive versatility and rare ball-handling prowess for a 7-footer."

And hey, if Allen and Mobley don't fit, one of them can be a trade chip down the line. There's a time and a place to draft for need and fit, but it's almost never with a top-three pick. 

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Collin Sexton's name has reportedly been "involved in trade discussions," but his camp is under the "impression" he won't be moved.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported Monday sources close to Sexton believe he's "part of the long-term plans" for the Cavs.

The 22-year-old Georgia native is coming off the best season of his three-year NBA career since Cleveland selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 draft. He averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 threes across 60 appearances.

While the team already exercised the option in his rookie contract for the 2021-22 season, the standout is now eligible for an extension before potentially becoming a restricted free agent next summer.

Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday the Cavaliers had started to "explore trade options" involving Sexton because it "appears likely" he'll seek a max contract and the front office fears that type of deal would "greatly inhibit their flexibility moving forward."

Although it's unclear what the Cavs would be seeking in a deal for Sexton, Fedor noted the team may try to attach Kevin Love and two seasons remaining on his four-year, $120.4 million contract to the Alabama product as a way to create financial flexibility rather than focusing solely on the return assets.

If the 6'1", 190-pound Sexton is traded, the question will become how his game will evolve if he's a second or third scoring option. He's been given a lot of offensive freedom during his time in Cleveland, leading the team in field-goal attempts in every season, but that may not be the case elsewhere.

In January, Sexton told Shaun Powell of NBA.com he's focused on team success more than individual numbers.

"When I'm out there, I play with a chip on my shoulder regardless of the situation," he said. "I know what I want to be in the future. ... I fuel myself. I know I want to be pretty good. And I want to do whatever it takes for the team to win. I'm more like a team person. I want to win."

While there are still areas where Sexton must continue to improve, starting at the defensive end, he's made steady progress across his first three seasons, so it's a bit surprising to see his name pop up in the rumor mill.

That said, the Cavaliers own the No. 3 overall pick in the talent-rich 2021 draft, so the direction they could with that selection July 29 could play a key role in the guard's future with the team.

On the heels of a strong workout at the NBA combine, Jonathan Kuminga has reportedly seen his draft stock rise.

Per Chris Fedor of cleveland.com, one NBA talent executive called the 18-year-old "a big-time prospect" and "an incredible talent who shouldn't be overlooked."

Fedor added that the Cleveland Cavaliers, who own the No. 3 overall selection, had members of the front office watch his pro day and have him "in the mix" for that pick.

ESPN's Jonathan Givony added:

Kuminga, a 6'6" forward, is regarded as one of the most talented prospects in the class, but his performance with the G League Ignite last season did leave questions about his readiness for the NBA.

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman had Kuminga ranked as the fifth-best prospect in his most recent big board posted prior to the lottery.

Wasserman cited Kuminga's shooting and awareness as "worrisome." He did average 15.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 13 starts for the Ignite, but he shot just 38.7 percent from the field with 2.6 turnovers per contest.

However, Kuminga is one of the youngest prospects in the draft with the size and versatility to play the wing in the pros.

A team like the Cavs, who have Darius Garland and Collin Sexton in the backcourt, could look to address the wing position by betting on Kuminga's raw skills.

After securing the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in a position to shake up their roster this offseason. 

Per Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo, the Cavs have started to explore trade options involving Collin Sexton. 

Cleveland is in a unique position with its roster this summer. The team is currently built around Sexton, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen. 

Allen is will be a restricted free agent this summer. Sexton is extension-eligible this offseason, and Woo noted that he is "likely to seek a maximum contract."

Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com reported in May that the Cavaliers are preparing to "give Allen $100 million or more in a contract extension."

It doesn't seem like a smart use of resources for a Cavs team coming off a 22-50 record in 2020-21 and three straight losing seasons to have three players—potentially Allen, Sexton and Kevin Love—making at least $25 million.

Darius Garland's emergence last season would make it easier to justify moving on from Garland. He had a higher three-point percentage (39.5 to 37.1) and averaged more assists per game (6.1 to 4.4) than Sexton last season. 

It also helps that the Cavs could be able to pick from at least one of Jalen Suggs, Jalen Green and Cade Cunningham in the draft, assuming they don't look to trade down. 

Sexton's value is likely at its highest point so far in his career. The 22-year-old set career highs in scoring average (24.3 points per game), field-goal percentage (47.5) and assists (4.4) in 60 starts during the 2020-21 season. 

The USA men's basketball team reportedly won't have Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen on its roster at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Allen has turned down an invitation to play for Team USA this summer. 

Fedor did note that Allen could still play for the USA Basketball select team if he wants to do that. 

Allen was among the new finalists added to the potential candidates for the Tokyo Olympics by USA Basketball in March. 

The select team in some ways serves as a tryout for future Olympics. Players on the squad also get to work out alongside the official Olympic team. 

Despite Allen's absence, USA Basketball is putting together a deep roster that will head to Tokyo next month. 

In addition to that group, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Tuesday that Chris Paul plans to play for the United States. Khris Middleton also committed to the U.S., per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Allen, who is set to become a restricted free agent this summer, has established himself as one of the best young centers in the NBA. The 23-year-old averaged 12.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game in 63 appearances between the Cavs and Brooklyn Nets during the 2020-21 season. 

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran power forward Kevin Love has committed to playing for Team USA at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, his agent Jeff Schwartz told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday.

Previously, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported there was mutual interest since Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich "was interested in bringing [Love] aboard."

Love was one of 57 players to be named finalists for Team USA, making him eligible for the team. He is also a former Olympian, as he played for the gold medal-winning American team at the 2012 Summer Games.

In addition to playing for Team USA at the 2012 Olympics, the 32-year-old veteran helped lead the United States to gold at the FIBA World Championships in 2010.

When Love was part of the Olympic team nine years ago, he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves and had established himself as one of the best young bigs in the game with averages of 26.0 points and 13.3 rebounds per game in 2011-12.

Love has changed a lot since then, slimming down and becoming more of a floor-stretching big than someone who spends a lot of time in the paint.

The former UCLA standout, who is a five-time NBA All-Star, has spent the past seven seasons with the Cavs. He is currently a veteran leader on a young and inexperienced team that hasn't done much winning, but his tenure in Cleveland started off much more successfully.

Love was the third member of Cleveland's Big Three along with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, and helped lead the Cavs to four consecutive NBA Finals and one championship during that time.

In Cleveland, Love's rebounding has been down, but his three-point shooting has been up compared to his time in Minnesota.

During his 374-game run with the Cavs during the regular season, Love is averaging 16.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 three-pointers made while shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Injuries have been an issue for him in recent years, and he is coming off a 2020-21 season in which he was limited to 25 games. He averaged just 12.2 points per game, which was his lowest scoring output since his rookie season, and 7.4 rebounds, which was a career low.

Love did shoot the ball fairly well from downtown, though, making 2.3 trifectas per game and connecting on 36.5 percent of his long-range attempts.

While Love is no longer one of the 12 best American basketball players by most measures, he benefits from the fact that Team USA doesn't have many enticing bigs to choose from.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis is undoubtedly Team USA's best big, but he opted out of the Olympics. Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat is likely next, and he will be part of the team, but there isn't much to speak of behind him.

Vardon noted that when the United States finished a disappointing seventh in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, it didn't get the type of production it needed from its bigs in Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks, Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers and Mason Plumlee of the Detroit Pistons.

Most of those who have committed to play for Team USA at the Tokyo Games thus far are excellent offensive players and shooters, including Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets duo of Kevin Durant and James Harden.

Because of that, spreading the floor will give the Americans their best chance to succeed, and Love is one of the few American bigs who excels at doing that.

Love hasn't enjoyed much individual or team success with the Cavaliers over the past few seasons, but he could be the ideal fit for Team USA at the end of the bench given his skill set and experience in big games both at the international and NBA levels.

There have not been any talks between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cavs big man Kevin Love about a contract buyout, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

Fedor made the comments during a mailbag, which included a question from a reader about Love's current status with the team:

"Sources say there have been no conversations with Love about a buyout either. The sense I get: Love would have to initiate those talks while also giving up some salary to make it worth it. Another factor that looms: Love’s contract will be expiring following this season, giving him more trade value."

Love inked a four-year, $120,402,172 contract extension with the Cavaliers, and that deal links him with the team through the 2022-23 season.

He's repeatedly been the subject of trade rumors as the Cavs look to rebuild following LeBron James' second stint in town, but he's stayed onboard and remains the longest-tenured Cavalier on the active roster.

Fedor also wrote that Love's trade value has "cratered" due to his "age, injury history, massive contract (owed $60 million over next two years) and public outbursts."

Fedor noted that the Cavs still value Love, however: "They still value Love’s leadership, three-point shooting, floor spacing and gravitational pull—an ability to take attention away from the young backcourt. They will single out to numbers, including Darius Garland’s April rise, that help back up Love’s on-court impact."

Love, who turns 33 years old in September, averaged 12.2 points and 7.4 rebounds in 25 games for the 2020-21 Cavs.

He has played seven seasons in Cleveland after the Minnesota Timberwolves, who selected Love with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft, dealt him to the Cavaliers during the 2014 offseason.

Love has previously expressed his love for Cleveland and the Cavaliers, notably saying this during an apology for slapping at the ball during an inbounds pass against the Toronto Raptors, leading to a turnover and three-pointer for the opposition.

Fedor provided the quotes.

“I love Cleveland, I’ll f--king rock with Cleveland ‘til the day I die. I believe that I’ll come back here, whether anybody’s opinion of me has soured because I haven’t been available or my play this year hasn’t quite been there because I’m off balance, and I’m not able to get in the shape I want to be in because I’m held back, fine. Those can all sound like excuses. But this is just me leaving it all out there. being truthful and just being Kevin. I mean, at the end of the day, that’s all I can be.”

Love may not be the 20-point, 10-rebound machine that he used to be, but the five-time All-Star still sports an incredible resume, which includes a 2016 NBA championship, two All-NBA team nods and the 2010-11 rebounding title.

As the Cleveland Cavaliers look ahead to next season following a 22-50 campaign, they have a lot of work to do, at least according to one NBA talent evaluator.

Jason Lloyd of The Athletic shared the views of one scout who believes Jarrett Allen is the only "surefire starter" on the team. 

Allen was dealt to the Cavaliers in January as part of the four-team deal that brought James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. 

Allen finished with 13.2 points and 9.9 rebounds through 51 games with Cleveland after 12 games with Brooklyn, where he was good for 11.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per outing. 

The 23-year-old joined a young group in Cleveland, suiting up alongside Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, rookie Isaac Okoro and veteran Kevin Love. Besides Love, who just completed his 13th season in the league, Allen was the most experienced among the starters, with three-plus years of experience in Brooklyn.

Allen will be a restricted free agent this offseason, though the Cavaliers are reportedly ready to shell out in order to keep him around. Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the team is planning to offer the rising star "$100 million or more" in an extension. 

At the very least, he can expect a $7.7 million qualifying offer, per Spotrac.

That will force Cleveland into some difficult decisions, since Love is due roughly $31.3 million next season and $28.9 million in 2022-23. Pluto reported that a league executive raised the possibility of dealing Sexton, though he was the team's leading scorer with 24.3 points per game. 

That sort of move would put even more pressure on Allen to deliver for a Cavaliers franchise that hasn't made the postseason since 2018, capping a run of four straight Finals appearances led by LeBron James.