NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers looking to deal No. 1 pick?
The Cavaliers have narrowed down the top pick of the 2014 NBA Draft to Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker. Unless, they make a trade.
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ESPN’s Chad Ford has suggested that Cavaliers are interested in trading the pick for stars like Timberwolves Kevin Love, Trailblazers LaMarcus Alridge or Hawks Al Horford. Those are some big names to throw around, especially considering trades for Alridge and Horford would likely mandate a package deal that would include the No. 1 pick and other selections or players.
Ford notes that a source within the Cavaliers organization said they were keeping their options open and would consider their selection well into June and possibly all the way to draft day on the 26th. That makes for good drama leading up to the draft, but realistically, a deal for Kevin Love is the only scenario with any legs. And while Love seems to be leaning towards Boston, the Timberwolves have the final say over a trade.
The Cavs will play the market as longs as they can, because they recognize they need to maximize this pick with the hopes of signing Lebron James. It’s hard to know for certain whether James would prefer joining a lineup that includes Love or the 2014 No. 1 selection, but Love has been so prolific these past seasons that it’s hard to imagine Lebron wouldn’t like working with the elite veteran.
With a draft this top heavy, the Cavs could also drop to the three spot, or further, and still get one of their coveted players. The talent difference between the top 3 prospects is small. Most of it is preference.