NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Exploring Trade With Los Angeles Lakers for Jordan Hill, Robert Sacre
The Cleveland Cavaliers haven't been performing up to standards lately.
A questionable relationship between superstar LeBron James and head coach David Blatt has many fans wondering if this team needs to make some changes soon.
According to multiple sources, the Cavaliers have been in hot pursuit of Los Angeles Lakers power forward Jordan Hill. The Cavaliers have also shown interest in acquiring the team's center Robert Sacre.
Now, at first glance this may seem like a desperate move for the 18-13 Cavaliers, but they have to take action. Brazilian big man Anderson Varejao recently tore his Achilles, and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Varejao wasn't a superstar, but he provided a big body in the paint, averaging 6.5 rebounds in just 24. 5 minutes played per game.
As a matter of fact, the Cavaliers contacted the Lakers before the season started about possibly adding Sacre to the roster. Obviously someone in the Cavaliers upper management likes Sacre's playing style.
And then, there's Kevin Love. Love (who isn't exactly Hakeem Olajuwon on defense) is battling back spasms. The 26-year-old power forward recently left a game because of his ailing back problems and did not return. The Atlanta Hawks won 109-101. There's still no definite word on Love's health or how long he will be out, but the Cavaliers are hurting in the frontcourt.
The Cavaliers presently rank 14th in team defense, allowing 99.7 points per game. That's not bad, but playing in the mediocre Eastern Conference will certainly help that cause. Without Varejao and now an injured Love, the Cavaliers defense is questionable at best.
Jordan Hill isn't a dynamic player, but he does lead the Lakers in rebounds this season at 7.9 per game. Hill is also a very good free throw shooter for a big man, making 79.8 percent of his free throws this season. Adding Hill won't make a huge difference to the Cavaliers offensive strategy, but will definitely help on the defensive side of the ball.
And then there's Robert Sacre. If Sacre is included in this potential trade, he can provide valuable minutes off the bench. The 25-year-old stands seven feet tall, which is currently the tallest of any Lakers player. Sacre obviously won't lead the Cavaliers to an NBA title, but he is averaging 6.6 rebounds and 10.6 points per 36 minutes.
At 10-22, the Lakers have the second-worst record in the Western Conference only behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jeremy Lin has an expiring contract, Kobe Bryant isn't getting any younger and Steve Nash is eating up a huge piece of the Lakers salary cap. Getting value now while you still can may be the best option.
Earlier this year, Hill signing a two-year, $18-million contract with the Lakers. That's a "team friendly" contract without long-term commitments.
Trading Hill should be simple and easy for the Lakers while freeing up cap space. Sacre is still under contract until next season, during which he is scheduled to make less than $1 million.
The Lakers shouldn't demand a lot back in return. At this point, the Lakers should just accept draft picks and continue to free up salary cap space. The Lakers obviously won't be making the postseason, and rebuilding is the No. 1 option in Los Angeles.
With Varejao out for the season and Love's health in question, adding Sacre or Hill, or even both, could be a great defensive investment for the Cavaliers. Neither player is under contract for very long, and both have defensive benefits. For the Lakers, this is just another step in rebuilding.
The NBA trade deadline is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at 3 p.m. EST.
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