Monta Ellis (Photo : Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly in pursuit of a playmaker, and with the defending champs having a new set of trade assets, they are in position to further improve their roster.
The Cavs have a significant amount of trade exceptions they could use to facilitate a trade before the February 2017 deadline. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Cleveland has a combined total of $11.4 million in trade exception after the Cavs traded for Kyle Korver.
Post-Korver trade for Cavs: Varejao $9.6M trade exception now $4.4M. Expires Feb 20. Cavs create two more TE's - $4.8M/$2.2M. Expire Jan 7.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) January 11, 2017
Cavs general manager David Griffin admitted that the Cavs are looking to add another playmaker, who could take some pressure off Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. While the team has yet to indicate any target, there a handful of players the Cavs could pursue using the trade exceptions.
Jameer Nelson, Denver Nuggets
There are no indications that the Nuggets are contemplating in moving Nelson before the deadline, but his contract ($4.5 million this season) and playmaking skills would fit the bill for the Cavs.
Nelson is only averaging 8.6 points and 4.3 assists per game this season, while coming off the bench most of the times. For the Nuggets, trading the 34-year-old point guard would open up minutes for some of their young guards, but his leadership has become a valuable asset for Denver.
Jose Calderon, Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles is not expected to be sellers in the trade market, but Calderon, who is owed $7.7 million this season, could be among the veterans the Lakers are willing to move before the deadline.
Calderon has rarely been a factor for the Lakers this season, only averaging 3.9 points and 2.0 assists in 11.9 minutes per game of action. But his ability to run the point could still help the Cavs improve their PG rotation. Trading for Calderon could cost the Cavs a future draft pick and a young talent necessary for the Lakers' rebuild, although acquiring the 35-year-old could only be a one-year rental.
Monta Ellis, Indiana Pacers
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
If the Cavs are looking for a major trade prior to February 23, Ellis should be in the team's list.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders claimed that the Pacers are still open to moving Ellis, who was shopped around by the Pacers during the offseason.
"As for transactions around the deadline, there continues to be talk that the Pacers would be open to moving guard Monta Ellis, however, his production this season matched with his hefty contract make that unlikely," Kyler wrote.
Indiana isn't getting its money's worth on Ellis, who is owed $10.7 million this season, with the 31-year-old guard only scoring 9.1 points per game. But Ellis is a capable scorer and playmaker, and would be a tremendous boost for the Cavs on the offensive end. However, any potential deal for Ellis would probably force the Cavs to give up a key player down the rotation, with the Pacers also looking to crack into the playoff picture.
Whether the Cavs are truly interested in acquiring Ellis remains to be seen, but it is something Cleveland would want to consider if the team wants to repeat as NBA champs.
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