Cleveland Cavaliers rumors: Cavs to use Brendan Haywood to pursue Marc Gasol?

Many scoffed when the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Brendan Haywood but because he is a non-guaranteed contract for the 2015-2016 season, he could be a huge asset. In fact, there are reports the Cavaliers believe they could use him to land Memphis Grizzlies’ center Marc Gasol, who is entering the final year of his contract.

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Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders believes the Cavaliers could only land Gasol if he is “dead set” on leaving the Grizzlies.

"Gasol will likely command a maximum contract, so more assets other than Haywood will be needed to make the deal work cap-wise. It would also have to be a sign and trade, as they will not have cap space due to Kevin Love’s cap hold. Would Memphis agree to such a deal? Perhaps, if Marc were dead set on leaving. But it seems like they are planning on rolling with Gasol for a while longer, given the extension of Randolph for another two years after this one. If they make him a maximum offer, he seems pretty happy there unless things unexpectedly fall apart this season."

Gasol went for 14.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, 18.2% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free throw line in 59 games last season. In his career, he’s averaged 13.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 51.2% from the field, 15.2% from beyond the arc and 74.9% from the free throw line. Haywood last played in the 2012-2013 season when he averaged 3.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 43.1% from the field and 45.5% from the free throw line. In his career, he’s gone for 6.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 52.8% from the floor and 58.7% from the free throw line.

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