A few quick notes on the most recent NBA happenings:
• It is now widely believed that unless the Cleveland Cavaliers receive a trade offer they can’t refuse, they will select either Kentucky center Nerlens Noel or Maryland center Alex Len with the No. 1 overall draft pick.
• Multiple league executives have told FOX Sports Ohio that the Cavs’ recent attempts to trade for a veteran small forward point to general manager Chris Grant settling on a big man with that first pick.
• A recent report said the Cavs offered picks Nos. 1 and 19 to the Portland Trail Blazers for power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, but a source referred to those talks as “old news.”
• Either way, sources feel the Cavs’ discussions with teams will lead right up until the draft (and perhaps into it).
• Following a report by the Houston Chronicle that the Cavs have an interest in Houston Rockets forward Thomas Robinson, a source told FOX Sports Ohio that the potential deal is very much alive and that activity in talks between the teams increased Tuesday.
• The Cavs have also had discussions about possibly trading their two second-round picks (Nos. 31 and 33) to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics, sources confirmed.
• Apparently, the Cavs are working on logistics with the Rockets on a potential Robinson deal while attempting to keep another trade with the Mavericks alive.
• Also, while the Cavs aren't squashing talks with the Celtics, it is now believed a deal for forward Paul Pierce is highly unlikely.
• Reports that the Cavs are considering Los Angeles Lakers forward Earl Clark in free agency are accurate, sources said. Current Cavs and former Lakers coach Mike Brown is supposedly a fan.
• Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are supposedly willing to package forward Derrick Williams and their two first-round picks (Nos. 9 and 26) to strike a deal.
• In other news, the Oklahoma City Thunder, while willing trade partners, have made it clear they won’t part with big man Serge Ibaka.
• Speaking of unwillingness, the Cavs are said to be highly reluctant to part with 2014 picks in any deals.
• Finally, it is believed that the Cavs don’t feel that any of the big men in the draft are the best possible fit -- which is why they are likely to continue to see what might be the returns for the top pick.
• Stay tuned to FOXSportsOhio.com for more on the latest leading up to Thursday’s draft.
Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO
