The Cleveland Cavaliers are prepared to enter the 2014 season with their current roster in place, but things could change quickly if the team's plans do not work out. The Cavaliers have a lot of expectations entering the season after a slew of offseason moves and Cleveland intends to meet them. However, they do have one weakness on the roster they are hoping to solve with players already on the payroll, if not a trade might have to take place.
The Cavaliers have been looking to acquire an elite center. Rumors surfaced that the team attempted to make a trade for Indiana Pacers star Roy Hibbert, offering up Dion Waiters in return. The deal was promptly denied as the Pacers indicated that Hibbert would be going nowhere this season. The Cavaliers have also been linked to Derrick Favors of the Utah Jazz, but again, the deal has gone nowhere. Now, there are questions about whether or not Greg Monroe could be an option.
Monroe signed a one-year qualifying offer with the Detroit Pistons after failing to negotiate a long-term contract. According to Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com, Monroe has been unhappy with the Pistons for a year now, something the center has denied being true. Poised to hit the free agent market in 2015, Monroe can be traded with his permission, although he would not come cheap.
Larry Coon of BasketballInsiders.com reports that while the Cavaliers might have interest in Monroe, they do not have the assets to give up in a trade for him nor will they have the salary cap space to re-sign him in the offseason. The Cavaliers would have to likely give up Waiters or Tristan Thompson for the center and based off the team's first scrimmage, both players are starters in2014. Cleveland also will not be able to pay Monroe the salary he is targeting in free agency. Cleveland already has $74 million committed to next season which would put them over the $66.3 million projected salary cap. Both LeBron James and Kevin Love will need a new contract along with Thompson. There is no room for Monroe with two max contracts potentially on the payroll.
Right now, the Cavaliers will stick with Thompson and Anderson Varejao as their leading big men entering the season. Thompson appears to have the edge at starting over the veteran given his youth and athleticism. However, Varejao is the better mid-range shooter which could put him at the top spot. IF either play struggles, the Cavaliers will have to re-think their plans.