The Cleveland Cavaliers could have interest in trading for Minnesota Timberwolves center Ronny Turiaf, according to at least one report. Cleveland, meanwhile, is heading into training camp with enough room still to sign free agent Ray Allen, whom Cavaliers general manager David Griffin indicated the team would be willing to sign whenever Allen felt ready to play again.
Cleveland's biggest need is in the frontcourt. The team needs to add more size to their depth and procure a proven rim-protector to anchor the defense. One option was free agent Emeka Okafor, who missed all of last season recovering from a neck injury. With concerns about Okafor's neck and an uncertainty about when he will be able to return, another option might be Turiaf.
"Don't count out Ronny Turiaf - a Kevin Love favorite - although I'm not sure what Cavs have to offer," Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune tweeted Monday.
Turiaf would make sense, if the Cavaliers were able to convince the Timberwolves to part with him. He would give Cleveland a much-needed 1.6 blocks per game, and he has a relatively team friendly contract that earns him $1.5 million and expires in July.
Cleveland is entering training camp with 20 players on the roster, according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports. Of those 20 players, at least six of the contracts are nonguaranteed, which leaves open the door to signing Allen.
Allen, who's still undecided about returning for his 19th season, is believed to want to wait until after training camp - or even later in the season - to commit to a team, in order to limit the wear-and-tear on his body.
While there's no guarantee Allen chooses to reteam with former teammate LeBron James, Griffin told reporters he would wait for as long as possible on Allen.
"Ray is someone who fits us as a shooter," Griffin said Monday, via Fox Sports. "His championship pedigree fits us at a really high level. With James (Jones), Mike (Miller) and LeBron here, I think he'd feel comfortable with our group. At the same time, it's possible he's not sure he wants to keep playing. He's in no hurry to make a decision. We'll play that out as far as we can."
Cleveland isn't the only team wanting bring Allen on board. The San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards all reportedly are pursuing the 39-year-old scorer.
