The Cleveland Cavaliers are determined to inject more firepower to their already potent lineup, as ESPN NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Cavs are on an exploratory talk with the Los Angeles Clippers on a potential Brendan Haywood for Jamal Crawford swap.
According to Stein, the Cavs are leaning towards pulling off a simpler deal involving Crawford and Haywood, than pursuing a more complex trade scenario for Brooklyn Nets swingman Joe Johnson.
"Given complexities of the Joe Johnson talks, sources say Cavs looking into the prospect of a simpler deal headlined by Crawford and Haywood," Stein posted on his Twitter account.
The Cavaliers have been on a shopping spree ever since the start of the free-agency window, locking up Kevin Love (five-year, $110MM), Iman Shumpert (four-year, $40MM), Matthew Dellavedova (Multi-year deal worth $5MM per season) and possibly Tristan Thompson (five-year, $80MM).
LeBron James, who is expected to sign another one-year deal worth at least $20MM, stressed that he won't resume talks with the Cavaliers until they filled up every gaping hole on its roster. Armed with Haywood's non-guaranteed contract worth $10.5MM, the Cavs are attempting to use that asset to land another established player.
Stein first broke the news that the Cavs are interested in trading for Joe Johnson, but his massive $24.9 MM expiring contract would require creativity from both front offices to make the trade work.
On the other hand, the Crawford-for-Haywood swap would be a much simpler transaction, giving the Cavs the veteran shooter for more spacing and the Clippers some financial flexibility to sign a replacement for DeAndre Jordan.
