Cavaliers Rumors: Trade Buzz Surrounding Ricky Rubio, Iman Shumpert and More

The trade deadline for the 2016-17 NBA season is nearly here. This means that teams looking to add some final pieces before going on a postseason run—like the Cleveland Cavaliers—are running out of time to do so.

Even though the Cavaliers hold the best record in the Eastern Conference, they could use some help before heading into the playoffs. J.R. Smith has been out for some time, and the Cavaliers have been without Kevin Love since just before the All-Star break.

While both players should be available before the playoffs, the Cavaliers now seriously run the risk of wearing down their starters between now and then. LeBron James is averaging roughly two minutes more per game than a year ago. Kyrie Irving is averaging nearly four more minutes per contest. These are two guys Cleveland absolutely cannot have gassed in the playoffs.

As Alex Kennedy of Hoopshype.com pointed out, it would be a surprise if the Cavaliers don't bolster their roster before the trade deadline:

Cleveland doesn't necessarily need superstars to navigate the remainder of the regular season, but they do need competent reinforcements. With all of this in mind, let's take a look at the latest buzz surrounding the Cavaliers and their realistic trade options.

Dealing Shumpert Remains a Possibility, Rubio Possible Target?

If the Cavaliers do make a trade before the deadline, one player the team may be forced to part with is shooting guard Iman Shumpert. Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer believes Iman Shumpert is a "player with real value."

We know that at least one team has interest in Shumpert. Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves are eyeing him:

Shumpert is much more of a complementary piece, but he is one that the Cavaliers could easily justify holding onto. He's averaging 7.8 points per game while playing an average of 25.4 minutes. It's hard to tell what Cleveland might expect in return from Minnesota or another team, but, presumably, the Cavaliers would want a backup point guard.

If the Cavs are dealing with Minnesota, that point guard could possibly be Ricky Rubio.

ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported on SportsCenter (h/t Jace Frederick of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press) that Rubio is likely to be moved before the deadline.

“I do think you’re going to see Rubio really available over the next few days,” Windhorst said.

Rubio is the kind of facilitator that could run the second-team offense for Cleveland effectively and efficiently. Not only would he be able to help take minutes from other players leading up to the postseason, but he could make the bench even more dangerous during it.

Carmelo Deal Appearing Unlikely

Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

It appears that the Cavaliers are still holding onto the slim possibility of acquiring Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks. The problem is that Anthony would have to agree to waiving his no-trade clause, and there's no indication that Cleveland is a team he would do so to join.

From Anthony's perspective, there has to be a plan in place for him—though potentially winning a ring with the Cavaliers would seem like a nice one.

“I haven’t figured out a situation that makes sense for both parties," Anthony said during all-star weekend, per  The Undefeated’s Marc Spears. "I am not the kind of guy who just goes out there and says, ‘Get me outta here…get me outta here,’ without having a plan. It’s bigger than that."

The problem on Cleveland's side is affording Anthony's massive contract and coming up with the pieces to acquire him. Moving James, Irving or Love should be out of the question.

However, Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com seems to believe the Knicks might consider a lesser offer just to get Anthony off the books:

"

The Knicks -- and more to the point, team president Phil Jackson -- may be so desperate to move him by Thursday (as an aside, the Cavs and Knicks play each other that night in Cleveland), there is a feeling inside the league that they would weigh offers for lesser players from teams, including potentially the Cavs.

"

Our guess is that this is one of those pairings that is fun to talk about but isn't realistic—though one can never say never about last-minute deals. At least fans can have fun talking about this one all the way up to the deadline.

Cavaliers Could Also Be Interested in Galloway

While this potential move wouldn't necessarily involve a trade, it's one to follow through the rest of the regular season. According to ESPN Cleveland, Windhorst believes that the Cavaliers could be interested in adding Langston Galloway if he is released by the Sacramento Kings:

While Galloway is a shooting guard, he has the tools to help run the offense in more of a point guard role with a second or third team. This would help cut down on the wear and tear of guys like Irving and James down the stretch.

This season, Galloway has averaged 20.4 minutes, 8.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

Galloway made his way to Sacramento as part of the deal that sent DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans. There is no guarantee that he will be waived. In fact, according to Sean Cunningham of ABC 10 Sacramento, it isn't likely to happen:

However, this is a story worth following because of Cleveland's perceived interest. If Galloway does become available at any point before the end of the season, the Cavaliers could move quickly to secure him.