Jameer Nelson and Wilson Chandler (Photo : Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers could explore a deal with the Denver Nuggets for Jameer Nelson and Wilson Chandler, with Mo Williams and Iman Shumpert as the likely trade pieces.
The Cavs are reportedly actively shopping Mo Williams after the team reached an impasse with the veteran guard, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Williams, who is owed $2.2 million this season, did not report to training camp, urging Cleveland to find a replacement at backup point guard position.
"Needing both a roster spot and a backup point guard, the Cavs are in a squeeze as the regular season opener looms. They are looking to attach guard Jordan McRae to Williams in trades, sources said. The team openly showcased McRae during the preseason and he led the team in scoring at 14 points a game," Windhorst wrote.
It remains to be seen who the Cavs would consider at this point, but Quentin Albertie of Sports Illustrated's Fansided listed possible options Cleveland may explore. Among the players listed in Albertie's proposed deals are Jameer Nelson and Wilson Chandler of the Denver Nuggets.
"The Cavs would want Nelson because he's a great compliment for Felder," Albertie wrote. "Defensively, Wilson Chandler is a big and athletic forward who can guard multiple positions."
"Offensively, Chandler compliments the Cavs bench of Richard Jefferson, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Channing Frye with his shooting stroke and ability to attack the rim. For the Cavs, this gives the team a core bench unit that can fit around any point guard or center."
Nelson, who is averaging 9.3 points and 2.0 assists for the Nuggets this season, has played in limited games this season, but should still help the Cavs in balancing their second unit, while Chandler, who averages 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in his first three outings this season, gives the defending champs a two-way forward, who can be effective on both ends of the floor.
While it would be an intriguing deal for the Cavs, it is still unclear whether the Nuggets would agree on such deal, especially with Denver already having a stacked backcourt rotation. But Shumpert and Williams' championship experience should be a valuable asset the Nuggets could use to incorporate in their core of young talents.
The suggested trade scenario works well under the NBA salary guidelines and ESPN's trade machine, although any potential deal between the Cavs and Nuggets could still feature other key players down their respective rotations. Nevertheless, with the Cavs off to a great start this season, there seems to be no rush in trading Williams, giving Cleveland an opportunity to explore other options.
Video courtesy: YouTube/DownToBuck
