Even the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers are not immune to NBA trade rumors.
That's because they have serious holes to fill, despite their dominance in the East. The Cavs rely heavily on Kyrie Irving as their playmaker and he has delivered tremendously, but can he make it all the way to the Finals?
It's a dangerous path for the Cavs to tread. Irving has had extensive injury history with the most glaring incident when the team lost him in the 2015 NBA Finals. This is why the Cavaliers are seeking a backup point guard as CBS writer Ananth Pandian explained.
"Cleveland is relatively thin at the point guard position. The Cavs just don't really have anyone reliable to back up Kyrie Irving. Kay Felder is a rookie and Jordan McRae is not really a point guard."
Recent reports that have emerged with the alleged turmoil in the Chicago Bulls have linked the Cavs with Rajon Rondo, one of their former tormentors when he was still with the Boston Celtics. Pandian believes that the Cavs should be cautious with that.
"Adding Rondo though, even if possible, doesn't seem like the best move the Cavs. Due to his inconsistent and unhelpful play as of late, Rondo has been benched in Chicago, which is emblematic of his sub-par play in previous stops in Sacramento and Dallas. Rondo will never be the player he once was in Boston and adding him (if possible) may do more harm than good for the Cavs."
Unlike the center position, there aren't as many point guards in the trade market at this time. The Cavs have limited options but another former All-Star could be available and according to King James Gospel, the Cavs have actually explored the possibility. Their target: Deron Williams currently with the Dallas Mavericks. They think he has what they need.
"Williams was a superstar in the league and though his body is slowing down, his mind isn't. Williams is currently averaging 4.8 assists per game. For perspective, Williams at one point has averaged as many as 10.7 assists per game in his career. Between his court vision, ball-handling ability and athleticism, he consistently worked teammates open time after time with the Utah Jazz."
Recent reports stated that the Cavs are acquiring Kyle Korver from the Atlanta Hawks. He's another shooter but he's not a point guard. Thus, the Deron Williams pursuit could still be in play.