The Cleveland Cavaliers have been more engaged in trade talks that perhaps any other team in the league, leading us to believe that the Cavs could pull off a flurry of moves before the Feb. 8 deadline. They're looking to improve their roster to keep pace and hopefully put themselves ahead of the other title contenders, and there are several moves that will help. Here are the four players they are the most likely to trade for:
4) DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers
Jordan is option No. 1 for the Cavs given his athleticism, rebounding, and rim protection, but the problem is his availability - or lack thereof. Los Angeles was taking offers for Jordan and others earlier this season when the Clippers were several games under .500, but have since remained adamant about keeping their current group together. They are currently on a six-game winning streak and are the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.
Report: Cavs will "definitely" make a trade prior to deadline
3) Lou Williams, PG/SG, Los Angeles Clippers
Williams is having a career year at age 31, averaging 23.2 points and 5.0 assists in 31.9 minutes per game. As such, it's only natural that a number of teams, including the Cavs, are very interested in him in a sixth man role. However, as is the case with Jordan, the Clippers won't deal him unless they go on a big losing streak over the next couple of weeks.
NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs targeting Lou Williams, Knicks unlikely to acquire Kemba Walker & more
2) George Hill, PG/SG, Sacramento Kings
A breakup between the Hill and Kings is coming. He thought they'd be competitive this season (lol) and Sacramento is not happy with his level of play (10.5 ppg, 2.7 apg) and wants to give De'Aaron Fox more playing time. Hill would be a quality veteran off the bench for the Cavs, but the problem is his contract - he's in the first year of a three-year, $57 million deal he signed with the Kings this offseason. He'll only be dealt if Sacramento is willing to take on another bad contract (Iman Shumpert, Tristan Thompson) in return.
1) Derrick Favors, PF, Utah Jazz
One player the Cavs have been linked to is Derrick Favors, who is in the final year of his contract with Utah and isn't expected to be back with them next season as they build around Rudy Gobert and rookie Donovan Mitchell. They're trying to send him to a contender for a draft pick, but a market hasn't really developed for him to this point. That will likely change as the deadline gets closer considering how available he is, and with the expected lack of availability of Jordan, the Cavs could pull the trigger on this deal.
MORE: 6 NBA players who are the most likely to be dealt before the trade deadline
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