The Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Sacramento Kings are three teams that have been in the trade rumor mills for the past few months. Now, with one more day before the start of 2016-2017 NBA regular season, rumors are spreading that the Cavs, Timberwolves, and Kings are in talks for a possible last minute deal.
Earlier reports linked the Cavs and Kings for a trade deal during the offseason which involves players like Kevin Love, DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay, J.R. Smith and others. But none of those rumors happened. But now, having the Timberwolves as the third party, a possible deal is imminent bringing new players on the trading table.
According to The Inquisitr, the three teams mentioned would like to switch their guards before the season begun. Trade scenario is suggesting as follows:
1. The Cleveland Cavaliers will acquire guard Darren Collison and Ben McLemore from the Kings;
2. The Sacramento Kings will get guard Ricky Rubio from the Timberwolves;
3. The Minnesota Timberwolves would welcome Iman Shumpert from the Cavs.
The three-team, four-player swap pass the NBA trade rules and salary cap limitation making it a legal trade deal as per stated in the report.
The pressure is in the hands of the Cavs to perform well this season being the defending champs. If ever, having Collison and McLemore in the lineup would greatly help Kyrie Irving in the backcourt. Though they will lose Shumpert in the deal, Collison and McLemore could fill in that void immediately.
As for the Kings, having Rubio on the roster would fill the gap left by Rajon Rondo after signing to the Chicago Bulls this offseason. And now that the Kings are also having trouble with their other guard in Ty Lawson, the arrival of Rubio to the Kings is in right timing to stabilize the point guard spot instantly.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves will welcome Shumpert who is known for his defensive skill. He is also a solid player coming off the bench and could complement Zach LaVine as his backup as per stated in the report.
iTech Post also reported the Cavs are just doing their best to acquire a high-caliber player in order to catch up with other teams who have upgraded their lineup such as the Golden State Warriors and be able to defend the title.
As for the Kings and Timberwolves, they just like to make some changes on their roster that could also change their fortunes in the coming NBA season as per stated in the report.
Will the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Sacramento Kings agree on this four-player swap?
