Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Corey Brewer reportedly is back on the trading block. According to ESPN's Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst, the veteran is drawing interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Per Stein and Windhorst:
"Sources told ESPN.com that the Timberwolves, beset with injuries and mired at the foot of the Western Conference with a record of 5-19, are again engaging contending teams in trade discussions for Brewer after making him available in mid-November and then abruptly pulling him off the market.
"The Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers, sources said, remain the most interested suitors for Brewer, but have also been joined by the Los Angeles Clippers.
"ESPN.com reported last month that the Wolves were in active trade discussions with multiple contending teams that had interest in Brewer, most notably Cleveland and Houston."
ESPN reported last month the Timberwolves were in discussions with multiple teams, including Cleveland and Houston. The loss of teammate Kevin Martin to a broken wrist, though, forced Timberwolves president Flip Saunders to take Brewer off the trade block.
Minnesota's 5-19 record, however, has resigned Saunders to the fact he has to go from retooling to rebuilding. Moving Brewer's contract - $4.7 million this season and $4.9 million the next - is Saunders's best way to accumulate assets to use in the future.
Cleveland and Houston both have trade exceptions to help facilitate a deal, but it's uncertain if either team would be willing to give up a first-round pick, which Saunders is reportedly seeking. Cleveland has two first-round picks next season, but are reluctant to give any of them up for Brewer; Houston reportedly is hopeful Saunders will settle for the Knicks' 2015 second-round pick, which could be high given the way New York's season has unfolded.
Both Cleveland and Houston are considered the frontrunners to land Brewer, and although the Clippers are interested in him, Doc Rivers's team would have to shuffle around players to make room in the books.
Teams have until Feb. 19 to complete trades.
