Cavaliers Trade Rumors: Top Reports Surrounding Cleveland Before 2017 Deadline

LeBron James made it clear the run to the trade deadline would be an interesting, if not frantic time for the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

James went on a rant in January about the team needing to add depth. Though the Cavs are first place in the Eastern Conference, not to mention defending champs, one can understand the frustration considering James averages 37.5 minutes per game, his highest total since returning to Cleveland.

Since the demand, many rumors have popped up along the path to the deadline. Some feature realistic role players, others include some of the league's biggest names requiring more than two teams to get a deal done.

Realistically, Cleveland isn't making a major splash without help from a third team. But being hamstrung for assets and unwilling to move core pieces shouldn't discourage fans—let the rumor mill tell it, and a gigantic deal could be right around the corner.

Iman Shumpert's Market Develops

One way to create more in the way of tradeable assets is to add a guy like Kyle Korver. Cleveland did this in January, opening the door for an Iman Shumpert trade.

It was only a matter of time before the market picked up.

According to Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an interest in the 26-year-old guard.

Amico has also made it sound like a deal is unlikely, yet the fact the Cavaliers are even listening to offers speaks volumes.

Shumpert continues to play a minimal role, averaging 25.4 minutes per game and 7.8 points. Korver has played well since joining the team and J.R. Smith should be back in time for the postseason, meaning the former Georgia Tech star is the odd man out if the Cavaliers choose to make a move and address a need elsewhere.

The Timberwolves being the team apparently interested makes this all the more notable. Cleveland wants to upgrade point guard depth and Minnesota happens to have a guy by the name of Ricky Rubio, who increasingly looks like a guy with a foot out the door while being pushed by Kris Dunn and Tyus Jones.

The Cavaliers swinging a deal for Rubio with Shumpert as a piece would be a case of the rich getting richer, yet wilder things have happened.

Seeking Depth at PG

A more realistic move involves someone such as Utah Jazz point guard Shelvin Mack.

Mack is obviously on his way out of Utah, a factor Cleveland can lean on in a potential deal without giving up too much or needing to involve another team.

Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon confirmed the Cavaliers have looked into the option:

"

The Cavs have discussed trading for Utah point guard Shelvin Mack, who makes $2.4 million this season and is averaging 7.3 points and 2.8 assists, among others. They need a backup point guard, not so much for the postseason but certainly for March, as they attempt to get All-Star starters LeBron James and Kyrie Irving some rest.

"

Mack only sees 21.4 minutes per game in Utah, down from 31.4 last year. Trying to break into a rotation already featuring Dante Exum and a resurgent George Hill, and at times even Raul Neto, has made life difficult for the former second-round pick.

Ample playing time or not, Mack would provide a depth upgrade on DeAndre Liggins and Kay Felder behind Kyrie Irving. Quality depth is key as the Cavaliers gear up for another championship run.

Mack seems like a last resort for the Cavaliers, but so it goes for a defending champion at the limits of possible roster moves.

Keeping Carmelo Hope Alive

With DeMarcus Cousins finally traded, Carmelo Anthony becomes the biggest name on the market.

This means fun times for Cavaliers fans ahead of the deadline—some seem to think Anthony would fit great alongside James and the Cavaliers.

And maybe he would, which is why Vardon confirmed the Cavaliers have kept hope alive about making a move: "The Cavs are trying to use a trade exception that expires Monday and also continue to explore the very slight possibility of acquiring Carmelo Anthony by Thursday's deadline."

One problem—Anthony has to want to join the Cavaliers.

Anthony hasn't signaled in any way, shape or form that he wants to leave the Knicks. Phil Jackson and the front office bungled an attempt at a quick turnaround with the likes of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, among others, but Anthony hasn't indicated he wants to start over elsewhere.

Even if he did, Anthony still holds the keys thanks to a no-trade clause. From a logistics standpoint, the Knicks might not want to trade one of the league's top superstars to another team in the Eastern Conference. Anthony, on the other hand, might want to go somewhere like Cleveland, which creates an impasse.

A potential deal gets the "slight possibility" treatment for many reasons. Speaking of contracts, he is a $24.5 million cap hit this year and even more the following two seasons, according to Spotrac. A third team would need to get involved simply to help the Cavaliers make room from a financial perspective, not to mention for properly compensating the Knicks.

Compensation, of course, is the other hurdle. If the Cavaliers can't find a third team willing to help, the front office would need to cough up someone as valuable as Kevin Love.

For his part, Love made it clear there hasn't been any sign he'd be moved.

"I expect to be here for a long time," Love said, according to Vardon.

So yes, it is notable when reports say the Cavaliers haven't completely thrown in the towel on acquiring Anthony. The front office would be silly to forgo due diligence on the matter.

But as is the case with many pre-deadline rumblings, the biggest ones are more for fun than realistic. The Cavaliers have another championship on the mind, which requires moves a contender would do—so if anything, expect a smart depth move at best, not a blockbuster that nukes the roster and payroll.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.