The Cleveland Cavaliers are slated to pick first in this year's NBA Draft, but they might be willing to deal the selection. In return, they would be looking for "an established scoring forward," NBA executives told Sports Illustrated.
NBA Draft 2013: Cavs want ‘established scoring forward’ in exchange for No. 1 pick
Cleveland once again ended up with the top pick in the NBA Draft, but they might be willing to deal it for some frontcourt help.
Gregory Shamus
More Cavs Draft Coverage: Fear the Sword
The Cavaliers already have a young backcourt core with former No. 1 pick Kyrie Irving anchoring the point and fellow lottery selection Dion Waiters playing alongside him. They could, however, benefit from another big. Cleveland ranked 22nd in the league in rebounding and might need some help for Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson.
That help could come from Minnesota. Sources told SheridanHoops.com that if the Timberwolves are willing to part with Kevin Love, the No. 1 pick is theirs. Love has an opt-out clause for 2015, so if he isn't moved, Minnesota runs the risk of losing him for nothing in return.
SB Nation Cavs blog Fear the Sword also speculates that DeMarcus Cousins could find his way to Cleveland and the Kings could end up with the top pick. But with Cousins would come his off-the-court drama, and it is unclear whether the Cavaliers are willing to deal with that.
But if Cleveland does not choose to trade the top pick, it can pick up Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel. While he is still unpolished offensively and is coming off a torn ACL, he might develop into the interior presence that they need. Ben McLemore from Kansas is also a possibility and would provide some serious depth, giving the Cavaliers a young and imposing backcourt.
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