NBA Trade Rumor: Cleveland Cavaliers Eyeing Corey Maggette?

If the Cleveland Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry fails to lure the Phoenix Suns' Amar'e Stoudemire in less than 48 hours (the Feb. 18 deadline), he will be forced to search for the player who could aid LeBron James in landing a title and secure a deal in Cleveland this offseason.

One of the surveyed options, according to ESPN, is Golden State Warriors forward Corey Maggette.

The rumored deal would have to include center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and his expiring contract, which Chris Cohan, the Warriors' owner, would embrace with open arms due to his financial difficulties.

Maggette is believed to be a third option for the top Eastern Conference team behind the aforementioned Stoudemire and Antwan Jamison.

"Other players, perhaps Cleveland's Danny Green and Golden State's Devean George, would have to be added to make the deal work financially," ESPN's Chris Broussard writes.

If the Cavaliers did in fact settle with Maggette, it would either solidify their back court or their bench scoring, according to how Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown utilizes the explosive 30-year-old forward.

Maggette, in fact, has the ability to start at shooting guard for the Cavaliers, apart from his natural small forward position.

A possible lineup that would consist of Mo Williams, Maggette, James, J.J Hickson, and Shaquille O'Neal could very well exploit rival back courts in the NBA that include Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter and Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

With a 6'6'' brick body, Maggette can guard much more powerful opposing players than Delonte West can, and has a mentality to drive the ball constantly. With James' passing ability, Maggette will find the path towards the rim easier than he has at Golden State.

In a sixth man role, the former Duke player can provide instant offense any day of the week. With the second unit, Maggette can get his preferred isolation plays, providing guaranteed scoring while James gets his rest.

This deal, of course, is a last resort for the Cavaliers, but a great move if the Warriors can truly pull it off. The Warriors can get rid of Maggette's overpaid contract, and free space for a possible free agent signing with Ilguaskas' expiring contract.

According to Broussard, sources close to James claim that he believes Maggette could benefit the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers believe they can retain Ilgauskas by negotiating a buyout with the Warriors, so he can re-sign with Cleveland again.