If there is one guy I’m betting on getting moved before the trade deadline, it is Ryan Anderson. New Orleans is fielding a lot of calls about one of the best offensive stretch fours in the league, there is a lot of interest in him (the Pelicans would love to unload one of their guards in such a deal).
Cleveland — which realizes it needs some upgrades for a potential Finals showdown with Golden State — is at the front of the list trying to get things done, reports Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports.
The Cavaliers are showing strong interest in acquiring Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson, sources said.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) February 17, 2016
Anderson could give the Cavaliers options in small ball lineups, playing in combinations with Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. Although, rumors of a Love-based blockbuster will not die.
Cleveland remains very active. Cavs in talks with Pelicans about Ryan Anderson. A 3-team deal that includes Kevin Love still in play.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) February 17, 2016
Don’t bet on a Love trade, at least not at the deadline. If the Cavs fall in the Finals again and need to re-assess this summer, a lot of things come into play, Love included. At the deadline, it’s highly unlikely. Also, as noted before, there are a lot of competition for Anderson (and other stretch fours), with teams such as Toronto rumored to be in the mix, not to mention the Clippers.
Have heard Clippers also have interest in Ryan Anderson, though he may be tough to get since Clips' next tradeable first-round pick is 2019.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) February 18, 2016
In case the Anderson trade doesn’t come through, the Cavaliers have a Plan B with Orlando and Channing Frye, as the Cavaliers try to blow up a Frye-to-the-Clippers deal.
ESPN sources say Cavaliers have made an offer featuring Anderson Varejao for Channing Frye in an attempt to pre-empt Clippers' deal for Frye
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 18, 2016
It’s going to be an interesting final 19 hours before the trade deadline.