NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers and Teams Trying to Make Draft Day Deals
Thanks to the lottery, the 2012 NBA draft order is set. Do not expect it to stay that way, as it is likely going to be shaken up by trades taking place up until and on June 28, the day of the event.
There are already plenty of rumors flying around that certain teams, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, are extremely interested in making a deal to move up or down in the first round.
Let’s take a look at some of the whispers we are already hearing in early June.
Cleveland Cavaliers Trade No. 4 and No. 24 for Charlotte Bobcats No. 2
Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld is reporting this possible deal. The Bobcats are apparently fielding offers for the No. 2 pick, but it’s unlikely that sliding down two spots is going to be feasible for just a late first-rounder.
Cleveland would love to move up, but they would need to send an established All-Star to Charlotte, and they just don’t have one on the roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers Trade No. 4 and No. 24 to Portland Trail Blazers for No. 6 and No. 11
Here is another move that has the Cavaliers trying to capitalize in the early portion of the draft, courtesy of The Morning Journal.
This time they are trying to sacrifice a top-five spot in exchange for a second pick in the lottery.
If Portland falls in love with a prospect that they feel will be off the board by No. 6, such as Bradley Beal or Harrison Barnes, they could pull the trigger on this deal.
Contenders Looking to Flip Picks
HoopsWorld’s Alex Kennedy has sources that are saying that plenty of non-lottery teams want absolutely no part of this draft.
"“Almost everyone wants to get out of their pick in this draft,” said one Western Conference executive. “For some teams, it’s hard to take on money for multiple years in this economic climate, especially if the player would not make an impact and help the team win immediately.”
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It’s likely that numerous trades go will down. It's also likely that teams that are unhappy with their pick will select from a handful of European players who can be stashed away in Europe to allow them to develop.
