The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly eying D-Leaguer Pierre Jackson, whose draft rights are owned by the New Orleans Pelicans. Jackson could replace Jarrett Jack if the latter is traded to either the Brooklyn Nets or the Sacramento Kings, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Jackson, a 2013 second-round draft pick, is drawing Cleveland's attention because of the season he's having with the Idaho Stampede in the D-League. His 29.1 points and 6.2 assists per game this season may have Cleveland calling New Orleans to explore trading for the NBA rights to the Baylor alum.
"With the NBA's trade deadline two days away, the Cavaliers have shown interest in acquiring the rights of point guard Pierre Jackson, among other deals, league sources told the Akron Beacon Journal," Jason Lloyd of The Beacon Journal wrote on Tuesday.
Although Jackson is unsigned, the Pelicans hold his draft rights. It's uncertain what - if anything - New Orleans would want in exchange for Jackson, but Cleveland may be eying the 22-year-old as a possible replacement for Jack, who could be playing for another team by Thursday afternoon.
Citing a league source, The Beacon Journal confirmed two ESPN reports that Brooklyn and Sacramento have discussed with Cleveland the possibility of acquiring Jack before the trade deadline.
"A league source confirmed the Cavs have held talks with the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets over a possible deal for Jack," Lloyd wrote. "... The Cavs have discussed acquiring Jason Terry from the Nets and Jason Thompson or Marcus Thornton from the Kings."
Jack, who was brought in by ex-Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant, hasn't provided Cleveland with the kind of scoring off the bench they'd hoped for when they signed him to a four-year, $25 million contract in July.
Trading Jack for Terry or Thornton, both of whose contracts expire after next season, would save Cleveland from paying the third year of Jack's deal; Thompson is under contract for another three seasons.
The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
