The Cleveland Cavaliers are being linked to several trade scenarios, knowing that the Cavs will make a move to improve their title chances this season. The Cavaliers have attractive assets to offer in talks heading into the trade deadline, but they are expected to find the best deal that could help them get back on track.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, league sources strongly believe the Cavaliers will make a deal or two after losing to the Golden State Warriors in their second encounter this season. They are being linked to DeAndre Jordan and Paul George, but there were also talks about a possible deal with the Dallas Mavericks.
Nerlens Noel, Wesley Matthews to the rescue for the struggling Cavaliers?
The Cavaliers are on a four-game losing streak and they clearly need all the help that they can get if they want to dethrone the Warriors this season. According to Amico Hoops, while there is no imminent deal at this point, acquiring Nerlens Noel and Wesley Matthews from the Mavericks makes a lot of sense for Cleveland.
Noel, who failed to find his niche in Dallas, might be traded before the deadline. The Cavaliers could benefit from acquiring the lanky center, who could provide rim protection for the team, who are currently relying on Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson at center. The former Kentucky standout was initially viewed as a possible franchise cornerstone when Dallas traded for him, but the 23-year-old has fallen out of the regular rotation.
According to Amico Hoops, Noel can veto a trade but will likely approve a deal to Cleveland.
Meanwhile, Matthews could also bolster the rotation of the struggling Cavaliers. Amico Hoops pointed out that the veteran guard is a perfect 3-and-D player for Cleveland because of his size, toughness and ability to knock down three-pointers.
The 31-year-old is viewed as an upgrade over JR Smith, who is struggling this season.
Noel averaged 4.0 points and 4.1 rebounds in four games for the Mavericks this season. On the other hand, Matthews posted 12.2 points on top of 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 45 games this season.
Should the Cavaliers pull the trigger on a deal with the Mavericks?
Matthews and Noel look dispensable for the Mavericks, who are not expected to make the playoffs this season. However, they will not give Matthews and Noel without getting valuable assets in return. But, according to Bryan Kalbrosky of Hoops Hype, sending Smith, Channing Frye and Cedi Osman will likely be enough for the Cavs to acquire both players. Osman will be a solid piece in the future and the Mavericks might also ask for picks, which could be given unless they demand the coveted Brooklyn Nets 2018 first-round pick.
