The Cleveland Cavaliers intend to be active before the upcoming NBA trade deadline. However, with their two marquee stars off the market, who is left to be dealt before Feb. 20? Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters have both been deemed untouchable, so who can get the Cavaliers the best return? Luol Deng and Anderson Varejao are left to be dangled as bait.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, interest is very high regarding Deng and it is expected to pick up in the next few days. While the Cavaliers originally acquired Deng to be a long-term option for the team, signs are point towards the forward leaving either before the deadline or in free agency.
Kennedy writes that the Cavaliers were originally hesitant on shopping Deng, but the new general manager is trying to put his mark on the team early and that could include Deng departing. David Griffin is looking to move away from veterans and stockpile on youth and draft picks. Deng is the perfect target considering he is a veteran and is playing well, averaging 17.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Several teams have already considered Deng an option before the Cavaliers made him available. Kennedy reports that with Greg Monroe being taken off the market by the Detroit Pistons and the demands for Ben Udrih being very high, Deng becomes a top option.
The Washington Wizards were the first team to be mentioned in the hunt for Deng. The team is in the hunt for a solid playoff spot and would like an upgrade from Trevor Ariza. The believe Deng could be the option. The team likes the idea of pairing up Deng and John Wall for the remainder of the year.
The Phoenix Suns could also be a strong option to acquire Deng. The Suns have been very active in trade discussions, but have yet to actually commit to a deal. The team has inquired about several players including Pau Gasol and Evan Turner. They have draft picks to offer which fits the mold Griffin is attempting to make. The Suns would likely offer Emeka Okafor as the player in return which might not be that enticing for the Cavaliers, but the draft picks could make the deal happen.
Kennedy reports the Charlotte Bobcats would like be the other target based on the players the team has looked into. The Cavaliers might not have any plans to offer Luol Deng a contract extension in the offseason, but that does not mean that will give him away for cheap.