The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to make another trade this season to help shore up their championship-caliber roster. Among the names Cleveland is reportedly interested in are Timofey Mozgov, Iman Shumpert, Corey Brewer and Chase Budinger.
Cleveland picked up a trade exception in the Keith Bogans deal, and Grantland's Zach Lowe believes the team will use it this season.
"They might not do it until next summer, but they'll do it, and they'd be better making a move this season to bolster their 2014-15 title chances," Lowe wrote Tuesday. "They'll look at any number of wings (such as Iman Shumpert, Jared Dudley, Kyle Singler and Wesley Johnson), and they'll keep calling Denver about Timofey Mozgov. ...
"Corey Brewer and Chase Budinger are on trade-friendly contracts, and the Cavaliers will likely consider both with the Keith Bogans Memorial Trade Exception."
The $5.3 million trade exception helps, but it's still a matter of what Cleveland can offer another team. They have two first-round picks - their own and one from Memphis - next year. They also have Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson, the latter of whom they didn't extend, but both appear to be safe from the trade block because of superstar LeBron James.
While Cleveland reportedly is looking at wings, the team's biggest hole in their roster is in the paint, where they need a rim-protector who can block shots. Mozgov and teammate JaVale McGee both have been mentioned as possibilities for the Cavaliers.
A recent report indicated Cleveland wouldn't seriously consider making a trade until after Dec. 15, when most players in the league become eligible to be dealt. This also gives them time to see how their roster fills out during the season, and if they really need to make a move for a big.
