Brandon Bass (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are rumored to be looking for a backup power forward to take off some workload from Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love.
The Cavs remain at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 23-9, but last year's NBA finals runner up is only two and a half games ahead of the surging Chicago Bulls, who have won five straight games to boast a 21-12 slate.
While there is certainly no need for the Cavs to make a change in their roster yet, the may need to get involve in the trading season to find someone who could help them once the postseason starts.
Several reports have quoted ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealing that disgruntled forward Markieff Morris of the Phoenix Suns is "that something else" the Cavs need.
Morris, who have been wanting a trade from the Suns ever since his twin brother Marcus got moved during the offseason, is believed by many to be the player to match the versatility of Golden State Warriors' triple-double machine Draymond Green.
But according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Cavs should pursue Los Angeles Lakers forwards Brandon Bass first before considering Morris.
According to Hoops Rumors, Cleveland has the highest payroll in the entire league, with a team salary amounting to $110,237,822. It only needs very simple computation to understand that the Cavs are well over the luxury tax line, which means a trade deal would probably be centered on lessening the team's expenses.
The Cavs could use Brendan Haywood's trade exception to acquire Bass' two-year $6 million contract. Cleveland could then unload the contracts of Jared Cunningham, James Jones, and Joe Harris, who has been made available by the Cavs, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Bringing in Bass would give the Cavs another tenacious rebounder from the second unit, allowing Thompson to get some rest at certain points. Bass would also fit David Blatt's style of play and could be useful in the Cavs' version of the small ball lineup.
This trade scenario is possible according to ESPN's trade machine, but other pieces would probably be involved if a deal like this materializes.
For the Lakers, they get to have another youngster in Harris, who could be part of the team's rebuilding plans. However, Harris has been struggling in his time with the Cavs' D-League affiliate Canton Chargers, where he only shoots 39.7 percent from the field on a 16.4 points per game output.
With a healthy lineup, the Cavs do not seem to have the need to make any changes before the trade deadline, but a minor change would probably help them come playoff time.
