Cavs Trade Rumors: Rockets Offered Cleveland Dwight Howard & Other Trade Rumor Updates
In the latest Cavs trade rumors, a report from Fox Sports Ohio analyst Sam Amico said the Houston Rockets offered Cleveland Dwight Howard. Amico also reported the deal is “not happening.”
Dwight Howard in Cleveland? Sound great if this was a time machine back to 2009. Ever since Howard led the Magic past the Cavs in the 2008-2009 NBA Playoffs, Howard’s career trajectory has nose-dived.
It’s unclear what the Rockets wanted in return for Howard, or even if the Cavs’ gave them a chance to ask before hanging up the phone.
Injuries have played a role in Howard’s decline, but who can forget when Howard publicly feuded with then Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, and came away with his public image marred. He got traded to the Los Angles Lakers and still couldn’t shake the malcontent vibe. As a free agent, he chose Houston, and after 2 1/2 seasons, the Rockets seem content to try life without the former No. 1 overall draft pick.
Elsewhere in Cavs trade rumors, the Celtics continue to ask about Kevin Love, but nothing is “materializing,” according to Amico.
It’s no secret Boston covets Love. But the Celtics have little to offer to the Cavs, who need to win right now. First-round draft picks are nice, but they won’t help LeBron James and gang beat Stephen Curry this June. That’s why the Carmelo Anthony rumor was intriguing. Boston needs another team to get involved if it wants to acquire Love, because the Cavs would want a superstar who can help them win a title now in return.
If Kyle Korver is indeed the Cavs “dream target” GM David Griffin better go back to bed, because that deal has little chance of happening. It’s also looking like the Ryan Anderson and Ben McLemore rumors are fading. Iman Shumpert was rumored to have been offered to the Kings, but that’s yet to be confirmed. According to Amico, rumors of Shumpert’s trade availability are “exaggerated.”
Cavs Update I: Korver, McLemore pursuits on life support. Still in it with Frye, but don't expect it to happen. Ryan Anderson not likely.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 18, 2016
There’s still a chance the Cavs could come away with Channing Frye. Orlando would take on Anderson Varejao in the deal, via Amico Hoops.
"“The Cavaliers are searching for teams to take on Anderson Varejao’s contract to work out a three-team deal to land Channing Frye, per Yahoo Sports. The 76ers and Trail Blazers were mentioned as potential suitors, according to the site.”"
According to Cleveland.com, the Magic gave the Cavs a “no thanks” regarding Andy.
For all the trade talk leading up to NBA trade deadline eve, it’s most likely the Cavs do nothing, according to Ohio.com’s Jason Lloyd.
"“The odds of them actually striking a significant trade prior to the deadline, however, remain slim.Anything can change in the final hours, but the most realistic option facing the Cavs by late Wednesday night was a minor move to improve the bottom end of their rotation. ..Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert are expected to be in Cleveland after the deadline, according to one source with knowledge of the team’s thinking, as is Anderson Varejao. All sources were granted anonymity given the sensitive nature of trade talks.”"
Listen, there’s been no dearth of rumors, seemingly by the hour, surrounding the Cavs. And quite frankly, I’ll be shocked if they do something major. To beat the Warriors or the Spurs, you need talent, and Cleveland has it in LeBron, Love and Kyrie Irving. Now, the task for Tyronn Lue is maximizing that talent.
Would the Cavs beat the Warriors in a seven-game series right now? No. But they don’t have to. Cleveland has time to figure things out. Additionally, the Cavs’ “Big 3” haven’t played together past the first-round of the playoffs.
Lets’ get some film and data on how the trio perform this spring. This isn’t a make or break year for the Cavs. Love’s here long-term. So is Kyrie. No one expects LeBron to go anywhere. If a major move is to be made, it’s more likely to be in July.