One report claimed the Cleveland Cavaliers were pursuing a trade for Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert. While it's uncertain if Cleveland is in fact pursuing Hibbert, the Pacers might become more inclined to trade the All-Star if their season falls apart early with the absence of star Paul George.
Tyler Spence of Sports Talk reported earlier this week Cleveland had contacted Indiana about the possibility of trading Hibbert, who would fill the Cavaliers' need for a rim-protector.
"Following the Keith Bogans trade, the Cavaliers contacted the Pacers to inquire about Roy Hibbert. The Pacers would want Dion Waiters in return, however, the players that would be involved are not fully known," Spence told HNGN Sports in an email Monday. "Latest from a source was that Waiters, Haywood, and a 1st had been offered, however, they would need to add players or other teams to make salaries work. Cavs may be reluctant to give up Dion as well, so this deal is still far from imminent, but does have a realistic shot at happening."
A third, and maybe even a fourth, team would be needed to make the trade work. While neither team has denied the report, the trade rumor does have its skeptics. Two NBA writers -- Sam Amico of Fox Sports and Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders - don't believe the Cavaliers will make another big-name trade this season, with Amico stating the front office doesn't want to disrupt the team's growing chemistry.
Regardless of whether Cleveland pursues Hibbert, there is a big possibility he ends up on the trade block before February. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders said Wednesday the Pacers' willingness to deal Hibbert might depend on how the team's season begins.
"Roy Hibbert and David West could also become available prior to the trade deadline if Indiana struggles early in the season, as expected," Kennedy wrote. "The Pacers may decide to give up on this year and try to move in a new direction, acquiring assets to build around Paul George moving forward."
