The Cavaliers – despite having LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving – are far from a finished product.
Especially, they need defensive help.
That’s why they pursued Timofey Mozgov from the Nuggets and why they’re interested in Corey Brewer of the Timberwolves.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Things are fluid, as always in trade talks, but latest word is Houston more likely than Cleveland as landing spot via trade for Corey Brewer
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 20, 2014
Rockets have made it clear they're ready to move NOW. Cavs said to be weighing whether to prioritize pursuing rim protector or wing depth
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 20, 2014
Tricky one for CLE since Corey Brewer is available now AND rim protectors are harder to get. As Cavs have found in months of chasing Mozgov
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 20, 2014
There’s probably elements of truth in regards to Cleveland’s thinking, but this just reeks of posturing by Minnesota. There were plenty of leaks during the Love trade saga this summer, and that worked out well for the Timberwolves. There’s little reason to believe wouldn’t try that again.
If there’s truly a good offer on the table from Houston now, why not just take that? I believe the Rockets are more ready than Cleveland to trade, but if they had already made a suitable offer, the deal would be done.
Maybe the Cavaliers have to act quickly if they want Brewer before Houston gets him, but I bet they have a fair amount of time to sort out their priorities and make a compelling offer to Minnesota if they determine that’s what they want to do.