The Cleveland Cavs were happy to get the #1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, but they are still desperate to get rid of it. Essentially acknowledging that there is not a true top pick worthy talent in the entire draft, the Cavs are offering the pick to anyone willing to listen.
Perhaps the biggest rumored blockbuster would have involved Cleveland sending Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, and the number one pick to Minnesota for productive big man Kevin Love. The T-Wolves passed, revealing just how weak the perceived value of this year’s #1 pick is around the league, as Thompson and Waiters are both promising young talents on their own.
Cleveland has also worked to make a deal for Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge and Chicago’s Luol Deng to no avail. However, the Cavs are expected to continue trying all the way up to Thursday’s draft.
Rumors around the league indicate that Alex Lin may be the favorite for the top spot over Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel. Ben McLemore and Otto Porter could get a look as well with the two big men who are not only injured but completely lacking in offensive skill.
The Cavs will be looking to upgrade their roster significantly this offseason with the goal of surrounding Kyrie Irving with enough talent to entice an elite player (see James, Lebron) to join the struggling franchise next summer.