The Cavaliers will be among the teams reaching out to the Spurs this offseason about Kawhi Leonard, sources tell Sam Amico of AmicoHoops. There have been reports that teams around the league believe Leonard may be available because of the season-long drama surrounding his quad injury.
The Cavs have a valuable asset to offer in the unprotected Nets pick, and although it’s not certain they would part with the selection, Amico writes that it will probably be the first thing the Spurs ask for. Brooklyn is seventh in our latest Reverse Standings, but is only one loss away from moving into a tie for fourth.
There’s more today out of Cleveland:
- Shooting guard Rodney Hood has a big fan in teammate LeBron James, Amico adds in a separate story. James is counting on Hood to be an important contributor in the playoffs and believes he has a bright future with the team. Acquired from the Jazz at the trade deadline, Hood is averaging 11.2 points in 19 games with Cleveland. He will be eligible for an extension this summer.
- The Cavaliers have been through a lot of point guards this season, but veteran Jose Calderon continues to stand out, notes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. The 36-year-old had a season-high 19 points to go with four assists and just one turnover in Tuesday’s win against the East-leading Raptors. “Jose is just a guy, he just knows his position,” interim coach Larry Drew said. “He knows how to play his position. He’s not quick. He’s not fast. He doesn’t do a lot of things out on the court that are very sexy, but he just gets things done and little things like that, big men have an appreciation for. Kevin [Love] knows that if he sets a good screen on Jose’s guy, chances are he’s going to be open. The two of them out on the floor, they really mesh real well.”
- Drew deserves credit for helping to save the Cavs’ season when head coach Tyronn Lue was sidelined by health problems, writes Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. The team is 8-1 since Drew took over on March 19 and appears to be playing its best basketball heading into the postseason. Lue plans to resume head coaching duties Thursday.
The Cavs tried to get Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler, Carmelo, DeAndre Jordan, and PG13 using their bad contracts, didn’t they! Tell the truth. The Spurs said until they’ve offered an extension and Kawhi says no, they do nothing!
Swanson. No, Cavs did not try to do all those things. They made no effort for Carmello despite many opportunities. He took the Cavs off his shortlist because the FO did not even respect him.
And as far as Paul and Walker, the Cavs merely inquired as do all teams. You should the difference being all educated you claim.
The Spurs are doing what any team would; it is not knowledge to know this.
C.J. McCollum, he’s union vice president now, says he thinks LeBron might end up in Philly. If he does, what are the chances Kevin Love, and the others stick around. Incarneglia mentioned Kemba Walker, MKG, Malik Monk, and a first for Kawhi. That’s better than anything the Cavs could offer. I just remember Pop sitting down with Lamarcus last summer to hash things out. That’s where I put my money!
Boston’s Tommy Heinsohn says if we trade Jayson Tatum for Kawhi I’m leaving town!
Bulls with a top 10 pick plus another 1st have to be among favorites to land Leonard – if he’s actually made available.