It’s officially the NBA offseason, and the rumors are flying. The Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off a 4-1 Finals loss, have been one of the most-talked about teams looking to retool for next season. When the news broke yesterday that Paul George plans to leave the Pacers after next season, the Cavs were almost immediately mentioned as a possible suitor. Now, another star on the trade block is rumored to be a target of Cleveland.
The Cavaliers, per league sources, have been working today on assembling multi-team trade scenarios to try to acquire Chicago's Jimmy Butler
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 19, 2017
The consensus around the league is that the Cavaliers need an upgrade within their big three if they hope to beat the Warriors in upcoming Finals. Any trade to acquire another star would almost certainly need to include Kevin Love, but both Butler and George could be seen as upgrades over the power forward.
According to Stein, though, it would take even more than what Cleveland could possibly offer to secure Butler from the Bulls. Trade talk will heat up the next two or three days as the draft draws closer, and the Cavaliers may need a pick from this year’s draft included in a 3-way trade for Butler or George.
The Cavs obviously have to rope in at least one more team to provide the assets Chicago would surely demand but, sources say, are trying.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 19, 2017
