The Cleveland Cavaliers could look at a trade for Jamal Crawford, Markieff Morris, Chris Andersen, Nick Young or Channing Frye this year if the team doesn't sign back JR Smith, as the Cavs are reportedly interested in adding some depth in the front court and behind LeBron James to help manage his minutes and this comes as the team has two trade exceptions to use.
The Cavaliers have been as active as any team this offseason and they could continue that with a trade down the line. The Cavs have brought back LeBron James, Matthew Dellavedova. Kevin Love, James Jones and Iman Shumpert on contracts and they also added Mo Williams and Richard Jefferson. The roster is nearly complete and as the team works on bringing back Tristan Thompson and JR Smith, other options could be out there for the Cavs.
Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reports that Jamal Crawford could be a potential trade target for the Cavaliers this season. Crawford's role in Los Angeles with the Clippers has been diminished and the Orange County Register reports that Crawford is "unhappy" with his situation. Haynes writes that he knows Crawford "personally" and that he would "definitely like to be a part of the Cavalier organization" if he is traded.
Markieff Morris reportedly wants out of Phoenix and he could be an option, while Nick Yong was shopped this summer and could be moved by the Lakers at some point. Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen have been shopped by the Heat and they could be depth options for a trade.
Check here for more on the Cleveland Cavaliers trade options, for more on Crawford, the possibility of JR Smith coming back, Morris getting traded and more on LeBron James backup options.
Crawford was mentioned in trade rumors earlier in the summer connected to the Cavaliers, but a deal did not come close to happening. The team reportedly was considering a deal with Brendan Haywood to the Clippers, but he ended up going to the Blazers. The Cavs now could consider suing the trade exception made with the Haywood deal for Crawford, as he could give the team some solid wing scoring. If JR smith is not signed back, expect the Cavaliers to look into making a trade.
According to Bleacher Report, the Cavaliers would like another player to back up James with Jefferson, as James has a ton of mileage on his legs from the past five years. James has made title runs and deep playoff runs in his career and while he still is in his prime, the Cavs may have to think hard about limiting his minutes when the team can afford it. Jefferson is a solid backup, but the team could use more and some free agent options that could fit include Tayshaun Prince, Dorell Wright, Landry Fields or Michael Beasley.
Chris Haynes at Cleveland.com reported earlier in the summer that the Cavaliers had "reached out" to Prince about signing. That has not picked up since early July, but if the Cavaliers can't sign Smith and don't end up making a trade, one of those free agents could be an option. The Cavs also reportedly want to add another big man, as Brian Windhorst reports that the team is concerned about Anderson Varejao coming back from an injury. Timofey Mozgov is the starter and Windhorst writes that the Cavs could consider bringing over Sasha Kaun from overseas on a deal, as the team holds his draft rights.
