NBA free agency is more than a week old, and the Cavaliers
have yet to make a peep.
But multiple sources told FOX Sports Ohio all of that could change within the
next 24 hours — as the Cavs are said to hold the keys to a three-team trade
that would send All-Star center Dwight Howard from the Magic to the Nets.
If the discussed deal goes through, as many as 10 players could be involved.
That includes Nets forward Kris Humphries, who would come to the Cavs in a
sign-and-trade agreement.
Multiple news outlets have also reported the potential trade.
Along with Humphries, the Cavs might also be seeking Nets guard MarShon Brooks
and a first-round draft pick as part of the package, sources told FOX Sports
Ohio late Sunday.
However, one source indicated the Cavs may not be the only team acting as a
facilitator.
“(The Cavs) may be the best option, but they aren’t the only option,” he said.
The source refused to elaborate or name other possible teams.
Howard enters free agency at the end of the upcoming season, and he has made it
clear his preferred team is the Nets — who will play their first season in
Brooklyn in 2012-13. The Nets are equally enamored with Howard, but have been
unable to offer a deal lucrative enough to entice the Magic. Adding a third
team such as the Cavs may help speed up the process.
Humphries, 27, is 6-feet-9 and entering his ninth season. He spent the previous
three with the Nets and set career highs in points (13.8), rebounds (11.0)
and blocked shots (1.2) this past season.
He is currently an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any team without
the Nets receiving compensation. If a deal is to be completed, Humphries would
come to the Cavs in a sign-and-trade deal in which he would receive a one-year
contract, sources said.
Sources also told FOX Sports Ohio that a possible sticking point may be the
Cavs’ unwillingness to take Humphries if he signs a contract that exceeds one
year, as well as their insistence on receiving a first-round draft pick.
Talk of the deal comes on the heels of the Orlando Summer League and during
practice sessions for Team USA, of which Nets guard Deron Williams is a member.
Nets general manager Billy King will reportedly attend Monday’s practice in Las
Vegas to watch Williams, potentially delaying a trade.
The Cavs already own two first-rounders in 2013 — their own, as well as either
the Heat’s or the Lakers’ (whichever is higher). The Lakers’ pick belongs to
the Suns as part of the recently agreed-upon Steve Nash trade.
Magic officials are expected to meet Monday morning and discuss the particulars
of the proposed trade. The Magic just hired a new GM in Rob Hennigan, who has
already conducted a face-to-face meeting with Howard. They are also in the
middle of a coaching search to replace Stan Van Gundy.
