Cavs GM passed on Corey Brewer, wants big man

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David Griffin

David Griffin

Cavs GM passed on Corey Brewer, wants big man

Rumblings of a trade or some kind of addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers have maintained since the early portion of the season. The most anticipated team in the NBA this season after luring back LeBron James and forming the latest super team by acquiring Kevin Love from Minnesota has fluctuated from good to average to great to above average to downright “fragile”.

Adding some more serviceable role players and energy pieces might be the most pressing need for these Cavaliers, which recently put them in talks to trade for Minnesota Timberwolves’ guard Corey Brewer, who just landed with Houston.

But Cavaliers GM David Griffin may never have been sold on adding Brewer in the first place. From Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, via HoopsHype:

Cavs General Manager David Griffin did not seriously consider trading for Corey Brewer. He wanted to hang on to his $5.3 million trade exception. A major problem was Minnesota wanting two upper level second-round picks. The Cavs didn’t have those. Nor were the Cavs willing to trade their future first-round pick (protected and belonging to Memphis) …

Griffin has decided to wait, his goal being to add another big man — one who can block some shots and rebound. The trading deadline is February 19, and there may be some big men available close to the deadline.

If Griffin had made a strong bid for Brewer, that would have been the Cavs main in-season move. The salary cap would have prevented most other deals. The trade option is the key because it allows a team to get rid of a contract (as Minnesota did with Brewer), but not take back much money.

More bodies inside is consistent with when the Cavaliers were looking to pursue Timofey Mozgov. Cleveland is too easily scored on inside. Their bigs are completely capable on both sides of the ball, but there’s no true anchor to speak of that can discourage or intimidate progress in the paint.

A player of Brewer’s nature is something the Cavaliers could have used in the weirdest way. But they do have other needs. Patience is still a virtue and it’s on their side just 25 games into the season. Expect to hear the Cavaliers back in discussions as we get closer to the February trade deadline. 

 

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