The Cleveland Cavaliers made several moves this offseason, but acquiring elite size was not one of them. NBA analysts have predicted that if there is a weakness on the roster for Cleveland, it is having size to help on defense and protect under the rim. As a result, the team has been linked to several trades heading into the regular season, some bigger than others.
According to Chuck Myron of HoopsRumors.com, the Cavaliers could be interested in Derrick Favors of the Utah Jazz, willing to offer up Dion Waiters in return. This deal is not happening simply because on player will not be enough to get Favors. Myron believes the Cavaliers would end up having to give up a draft pick, Waiters and possibly someone like Tristan Thompson for the big man and that is simply too much for too little in return.
Certainly Favors would be a huge upgrade for the Cavaliers in terms of size. Getting rid of Waiters would relieve some of the over-crowding in the backcourt. However, the Cavaliers have denied multiple times that either Waiters or Thompson are available at this point in the year. Plus, Thompson heading to the Jazz is a downgrade from Favors.
This rumor comes after it was reported last week that the Cavaliers had inquired about a deal for Roy Hibbert. The team reportedly offered Waiters, Brendan Haywood and a first-round draft pick for the center. However, the Pacers shot down the deal since they realize just how necessary Hibbert is to the roster with Paul George and Lance Stephenson out.
It cannot be overlooked that the Cavaliers are clearly doubting the talent level of Anderson Varejao to be a quality center for the team. It had been assumed after the team brought in LeBron James and Kevin Love that Varejao would help round out the starting five. However, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Cavaliers are toying with the idea of starting Tristan Thompson instead, favoring his defensive abilities over the veteran's. Thompson started the first team scrimmage, playing center alongside Kyrie Irving, Waiters, James and Love. Head coach David Blatt will likely continue to switch things up in order to see who is the best one of the job.
The chances the Cavaliers make any more moves outside of possibly adding Ray Allen is slim. The team is now focused on gaining chemistry and the right rotation to make a true run at the NBA Finals.
