Andrew Bogut (Photo : Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors have the Cleveland Cavaliers taking full-on pursuits on players who are former rivals.
It was already mentioned before that in their search for a playmaker, they were willing to try out Lance Stephenson who was a former LeBron James rival when he was still with the Indiana Pacers and James was with the Miami Heat.
In a report from ESPN, the Cavs had a list of free agent point guards that they invited for tryout, and LeBron James was reportedly "okay" with all of them, Stephenson included.
"I got a history with all those guys except Jordan," James said. "I got a history with Lance too, obviously. I got a history versus Kirk. I played him in a lot of playoff series. And I got a history with Rio [Chalmers]. ... At the end of the day, Rio is recovering from his Achilles tear. I hope he's been doing everything he needs to do just to get back on the floor. He loves to play the game.
Stephenson was one of LeBron James' tormentors in two consecutive series of the Eastern Conference Finals and there was also the incident of Stephenson blowing in LeBron's ear. It seems like James is willing to brush all that aside just to make sure they get the ring this year.
In a more recent report, Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Cavs are also seeking help at the center spot and their options include Andrew Bogut, also James' nemesis for the past two years in the NBA Finals.
"Los Angeles Lakers guard Jose Calderon and Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut, league sources tell ESPN.com, have emerged as two players who greatly interest the Cavs in their search for bench help," Stein writes.
However, the Cavaliers can't make a direct trade as they don't have the cap space nor the assets to pull the trigger. The situation may need to fall into place for the defending champs.
"The best they can realistically hope for is that one or more of those three gets bought out after the trade deadline and eventually hits the free-agent market," Stein added.
Because of these reports, some critics of the Cavaliers are accusing them of being "desperate." The Cavs, specifically want to fill out the holes of their roster which is not bad in itself. However, his vocal outburst and the manner of his demand gave some the impression that James has some fears or uncertainties with his team.
