Now that Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams are off the market, the latest NBA trade rumors focus on secondary players. One such player is Charlotte’s Gerald Wallace, a one-time all-star that nevertheless could be a huge help to a contending team. However, the two teams that reportedly are most interested in acquiring him are the woeful Cleveland Cavaliers and the Portland Trail Blazers, who already have a good young small forward in Nicolas Batum.
NBA Trade Rumors: Gerald Wallace Draws Interest From Cavaliers, Blazers
The Cavaliers are reportedly looking to acquire Wallace for a first-round draft pick, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Charlotte and Cleveland still talking about Gerald Wallace. Wallace would be absorbed into Cavs trade exception, pick to Cats. Not imminent.
The Cavaliers have a $14.5 million trade exception after losing LeBron James this summer, allowing them to acquire any player worth less without having to match salaries. That trade exception expires this summer, though, so this is the last chance they will have to use it.
Meanwhile, the Blazers are also interested, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.
Portland is pushing hard and getting closer to completing a deal with Charlotte for Gerald Wallace, a league source tells Y! Sports.
It’s not clear what the Blazers are offering, nor is it clear where Wallace would fit in. Batum is one of the Blazers’ core future pieces, and Wesley Matthews has established himself at shooting guard. They also, remember, still have Brandon Roy. The Bobcats are asking for a high price for Wallace regardless, according to the AP’s Tom Withers.
Wallace has two years and $21 million left on a six-year, $57 contract he initially signed in the summer of 2007. The final year is a player option.
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