Josh Gordon shows maturity, perspective returning from suspension
November 20, 2014Cleveland Indians add five minor leaguers to 40-man roster
November 20, 2014The Houston Rockets may be the leader in the race to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Corey Brewer, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. Brewer, a rangy, athletic wing defender, has been rumored to be the apple of the Cavaliers’ eye, but Stein says that the Rockets are ready to act now while the Cavs are debating whether to acquire a wing player or a big man. Rockets GM Daryl Morey is one of the most active and creative deal-makers in the league, and the Cavs’ hesitation may be enough for him to swoop in and snag Brewer, a 6-foot-9 University of Florida product.
Things are fluid, as always in trade talks, but latest word is Houston more likely than Cleveland as landing spot via trade for Corey Brewer
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 20, 2014
Rockets have made it clear they're ready to move NOW. Cavs said to be weighing whether to prioritize pursuing rim protector or wing depth
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 20, 2014
Tricky one for CLE since Corey Brewer is available now AND rim protectors are harder to get. As Cavs have found in months of chasing Mozgov
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 20, 2014
The Cavs are far from fully-formed, especially on defense. That said, it is reasonable for GM David Griffin to be cautious before making a deal after just 10 games. While Brewer would certainly help on the defensive end, the Cavs’ decision-makers may value a rim protector–like the Denver Nuggets’ Timofey Mozgov–more than a wing.
Brewer is averaging 10.2 points in 23.5 minutes per game this season, his seventh. He is also averaging 2.1 steals per game, and his steal percentage of 4.5% leads the league.1 Brewer is not a particularly threatening outside shooter, but he is a whiz in transition and was on the receiving end of bushels of Kevin Love outlet passes in Minnesota.
Brewer is making $4.7 million this season, with a $4.9 million player option for next year. Both Cleveland and Houston have a trade exception large enough to take on Brewer’s salary without dealing players of their own. It is unclear what Minnesota is looking for in return, but odds are that they want draft picks or young talent to add to their rebuilding project.
The Cavs own the rights to Memphis’ first-round pick in 2015, as well as three second-rounders. They do not have a first-round pick in 2016 or 2017, per RealGM.
- Steal Percentage is an estimate of the percentage of opponent possessions that end with a steal by the player while he was on the floor. [↩]
9 Comments
The Cavs have a 1st round pick in 2017, they just cant trade it (see: Stepien, Ted).
Maybe they’ll take our boatload of 2nd rounders that will never materialize into anything?
THAT KEVIN LOVE GUY’S OUTLET PASSES ARE AMAZING., WE COULD REALLY USE A GUY LIKE THAT ON THE CAVS… WONDER WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO PRY HIM LOOSE FROM MINNESOTA?
#extremelylatehotsportstakes
They have NO rim presence, I was worried about that in the off season. Andy V. is a stretch “5” at best, it’s time to see what that Alex Kirk kid can do. He does what a true Center should – boxes out, sets picks and hangs out under the rim for rebounds!
The Cavs have Brendan Haywood’s expiring contract, they have a $5.3M trade exception, they also have Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson’s expiring contract and draft picks which to use to add both a wing man as well as another big man. So there are options. I always want to trade but it is early. I’m sure part of the hesitancy for the Cavs is the prospect of Ray Allen. Allen wouldn’t help on the defensive end but I’d sure rather see him shooting 3s then Harris, Miller or Jones (if they even play). Still there is time and options I just hate what I’ve been watching the past two games after the thrashing of Atlanta. I’m really interested in the next two games.
Kirk is in Canton so you can forget about him. Besides if Haywood never sees the floor what are the chances Kirk would? Neither are the answer. The Cavaliers need something better and the only way is via a trade.
I always remember Mozgov as the guy who was going to hold up the Carmelo Anthony deal. He has been steadily improving and I was impressed with him both times I saw him play this season. I’m surprised the price is so high but I’d rather the Cavs get something they absolutely lack (rim protection) instead of grabbing what would amount to a solid role player in Brewer.
No reason they can’t get both if they wanted. Only unknown is Ray Allen. Ideally I’d like to have Allen but who knows if or when he’ll come back and if he does who knows which team he’ll choose. I wouldn’t mind Mozgov but perhaps they could do better. I certainly think Blatt has enough resources at hand it’s just a matter of when not if for me.
This all seems fishy to me. Are we sure the Wolves and Rockets aren’t colluding in some way to get Cleveland to pull the trigger on a deal? After all, Flip Saunders and Kevin Mchale used to be chums.
I’ve been seeing that the Nets are about to dump Andrei Kirilenko to the Sixers, who will then buy him out and make him a free agent. Any interest?