Cavs Rumor Round-Up: Ben Simmons on radar, Kevin Love has supporters, free agents want to play in CLE and more!
By Chad Porto
![PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 20: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers bumps into fans during the fourth quarter during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center on June 20, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 20: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers bumps into fans during the fourth quarter during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center on June 20, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9516e044b24915630880dc4239431c20d1a6d0aaced83305c5109b85c7fa02be.jpg)
Free Agents want to play in Cleveland
Despite accusations to the contrary, people do want to play in Cleveland. They’re just not huge names. Two guys who are as interested in Cleveland as Cleveland is as interested in them are Garrison Mathews and Denzel Valentine.
Valentine was a lottery pick by Chicago, who could’ve had Caris LeVert, Pascal Siakm, or Dejounte Murray. Ironically, if the Cavs do trade for Ben Simmons and land’s Valentine, they’ll have two lottery picks from the 2016 draft. Mathews is a do-it-all forward who could be a great compliment for the team with or without Simmons.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com is reporting that both Valentine and Mathews are two-way targets, with both the team and the players having mutual interests.
"Sources say former first-round pick Denzel Valentine is interested in coming to Cleveland. Garrison Mathews remains a possibility."
As both men are moderately skilled scorers and solid defenders, both seem to be fits with the Cavs and what they are looking to do in 2021-2022. Of course, expectations will increase mightly for both the individuals and team should Simmons actually arrive.