What are peoples thoughts? If we stay at 5, I want Obi Toppen F/C from Dayton. I think he is the most ready NBA player and can step right it and help the Cavs.
There are rumors we are talking to the Knicks about moving down to 8 and 23 for our 5 pick. Rumors are saying Cavs want more.
I think Ball goes number 1 to a surprise team that trades up to #1.
Isaac Okoro - Auburn Onyeka Okongwu - USC Patrick Williams -FSU
I go back and force between the 3. I love the toughness and grit that Okoro brings Okongwu is a great shot blocker I think Williams is one of the few players in this draft that could become a superstar
Don't blame the clown for acting like a clown. Ask yourself why you keep going to the circus.
Here is a link to the wine and gold report from monday. It was a really good listen about the draft from a cavs perspective. One thing they mentioned is that there has definitely been an offer from the CEltices for the #5 pick. They are offering 2 1st round picks - #14 and #26 but the cavs don't want to move down that far. The celtics also have the #30 pick.
Onyeka Okongwu may have a foot injury that could cause him to miss start of season: 2020 NBA draft rumors Updated 3:58 PM; Today 10:59 AM Onyeka Okongwu, Ira Lee USC center Onyeka Okongwu, left, has a foot injury that could keep him out for the start of the season according to multiple reports.AP
Facebook Share Twitter Share By Tim Bielik, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — USC center Onyeka Okongwu is expected to be taken very early in Wednesday’s NBA draft.
However, there is a chance that the team that drafts him might not get to see him for some time. According to multiple reports including Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, Okongwu has a foot injury that could cause him to miss training camp, and even the start of the season.
This NBA offseason is, of course, unusual in that the season will start on Dec. 22. So the turnaround time from the draft to the start of the season is far shorter than usual.
In his lone season at USC, Okongwu averaged 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.2 steals while shooting 61.6 percent from the field.
Bulls, Warriors talking top-four swap?
This year’s draft is full of unpredictability, especially at the top. There’s no consensus at No. 1, and the Warriors, who hold the No. 2 pick, could be looking for immediate help since they should be healthy enough to get back into championship contention.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Warriors have discussed swapping picks with the Bulls, who have the No. 4 pick. He added that center Wendell Carter Jr. would be going to Golden State in the deal.
Chris Fedor of cleveland.com has said that the Bulls have been the hardest team on which to get any sort of read.
Timberwolves acting like they want a trade
The unpredictability of this year’s draft starts right at the top with the Timberwolves, who have the No. 1 pick. It’s still unclear whether they will even make the pick for themselves.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report reported on Wednesday morning that the Timberwolves appear like they want out of the No. 1 pick.
ESPN did a video story about how Minnesota is operating with the No. 1 pick during this year’s unique NBA draft.
Knicks move up four spots in late first round
One team that looks like they want to make a move up in the draft is the Knicks, who hold the No. 8 pick. As part of their hopes to move up, they reportedly made a minor move in the back end of the first round.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks acquired the No. 23 pick from the Jazz, sending them the No. 27 and No. 38 picks to do so.
Chris Fedor added that the Knicks among other teams have called the Cavs about moving up to No. 5.
Celtics trying to get into top three
The Celtics' quick return to contender status was bolstered by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who were each taken with the No. 3 pick in their respective drafts. They might be trying to get back into the top three in this year’s draft. Marc Stein of the New York Times reported that they are looking to find a way to get one of those first three picks.
The Celtics have three first-round picks, including the No. 14 pick. But this is also the last year that they have multiple first-round picks. So this could be Danny Ainge’s last chance to cash in on his prime stash of assets before they dry up after the draft.
Scribbling about an intriguing Cavaliers rumor with New York Knicks as draft looms – Terry Pluto Updated 4:06 PM; Today 10:45 AM Devin Vassell Florida State guard Devin Vassell (24) dribbles against Duke last February. AP
Facebook Share Twitter Share 155 shares By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio – There will be an avalanche of rumors between now and tonight’s NBA draft. The Cavs are one of the teams supposedly working hard to make a deal:
1. It was early this morning when I heard about the Cavs and Knicks talking trade. I checked with cleveland.com’s excellent basketball writer Chris Fedor. He also heard of those talks. That gave even more merit to the possibility of a deal.
2. Anyway, what I heard was the Cavs sending their No. 5 pick to New York for a bunch of assets, starting with the No. 8 pick. The Knicks supposedly want to move up to take Dayton’s Obi Toppin. The No. 5 pick would probably make that happen for New York.
3. I heard the Cavs like the 6-foot-9 Toppin, but he’s a power forward. They already have Larry Nance Jr. and Kevin Love as their power forwards. I’ve heard the trade market for Love has been disappointing, at least in terms of what would appeal to the Cavs.
4. If I’m the Cavs, would I be interested in the Knicks trading their No. 5 and No. 23 picks in this draft plus maybe a future first-rounder? The answer is yes. The Knicks also would add some younger players, maybe Kevin Knox.
5. At one time, the Cavs liked the 6-foot-7 Knox, who was the No. 9 pick in the 2018 draft. The Cavs took Collin Sexton right in front of him at No. 8. It was a wise choice. Knox has struggled in his two seasons with New York, averaging 9.9 points and shooting .367 from the field (.337 on 3-pointers).
6. The NBA loves complicated trades. The Knicks are desperately looking for a point guard, which is why I think a third team could be involved.
7. Now consider Brock Aller. He worked for Dan Gilbert and the Cavaliers for 15 years. His last position position was “senior director of basketball operations.” Aller helped current Cavs GM Koby Altman construct some of their more creative trades.
8. Aller is now with the Knicks as “Vice President of Basketball & Strategic Planning.” He is the top assistant to new Knicks GM Leon Rose, a former agent. The Aller/Cavs connection along with the Knicks having a pair of first-rounders and other assets made me take the words I heard from a respected NBA source very seriously.
9. If the Cavs drop to No. 8, they could look at someone such as Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton or Florida State forward Devin Vassell. The 6-foot-6 Vassell is a good defender, a 13-point scorer and a 42-percent 3-point shooter. He the kind of player the Cavs need. He’s 20 and has played two years for Leonard Hamilton, a very demanding coach.
10. I like Haliburton, a 6-foot-5 guard from Iowa State who shot 42 percent on 3-pointers. He has a funky outside shot, but it goes in. A concern is him being only 175 pounds. Like Vassell, he’s played two years of college which is attractive and gives him a little more maturity. I also heard Florida State power forward Patrick Williams mentioned in connection to the Cavs. But that’s another power forward, so not sure what to make of that piece of information.
Cleveland Cavaliers receiving calls about No. 5 pick, with New York Knicks interested in moving up, sources say Updated 4:14 PM; Today 10:26 AM Koby Altman Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has plenty of options with the No. 5 pick.NBAE via Getty Images
Facebook Share Twitter Share 217 shares By Chris Fedor, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In a year of uncertainty, there’s nothing that could happen in Wednesday’s NBA Draft that would be a surprise. Not the Minnesota Timberwolves trading out of the top spot. Not one of the expected top 10 prospects sliding. Not some team from outside the top 10 flying up the draft board.
Nothing.
When asked what to expect, a source said, “Madness. And lot of movement.” That incudes the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold the No. 5 pick.
Despite a weaker-than-usual draft class and lingering questions about many of the top prospects, there’s plenty of interest in the fifth spot. Sources tell cleveland.com the Cavs have had trade talks with the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.
The Knicks are in the eighth slot. They’ve reportedly made a move with the Utah Jazz already. In that deal, first reported by ESPN, the Knicks dealt No. 27 and No. 38 to move up four spots into Utah’s old position at 23rd overall. It’s small move, but one that strengthens their chances of moving up from No. 8.
New York, with a revamped front office that includes former Cavaliers salary cap guru Brock Aller, has a few pieces that could be enticing. Sources say the initial discussions have centered on 8 and 23 for Cleveland’s fifth pick. But would the Knicks also include a young player (Kevin Knox? Mitchell Robinson?) for a chance to move up a few spots -- and draft Brooklyn native Obi Toppin? Sources pointed to Toppin as New York’s trade-up target. Others in the five range -- Tyrese Haliburton or Isaac Okoro -- make sense as well.
Aller is the Knicks Vice President of Basketball and Strategic Planning. He is the top assistant to Knicks President Leon Rose, who had previously been an high-powered agent at CAA -- the same agency that currently represents Toppin.
So, why would the Cavs, linked for weeks to the Dayton high-flyer, make this move?
As of Monday, when the Cavs gathered to finalize their big board, they seemed undecided about who to choose at No. 5. Late Tuesday night, one source said there were three or four guys the Cavs were deliberating between. A few of those options, of course, are considered more likely than others.
Nonetheless, there doesn’t seem to be a consensus. Part of that is tied to the Chicago Bulls, who are one slot ahead of the Cavs and have the rest of the league, including Cleveland, guessing right now. The Bulls have a new front office and fresh coaching staff, and it’s unclear how they feel about any of the Chicago holdovers. How much will positional fit go into the decision-making process when the new guys have no ties to the old? Along with that, the Bulls seem interested in moving up or down -- depending on the offers and how the first few picks play out.
The other part of it from the Cavs’ perspective is the cluster of prospects in Tier 2. Most teams, including the Cavs, have Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball -- in some order -- at the top of the board. That trio makes up Tier 1. Then the ranking gets tricky -- and jumbled.
Okoro, the Auburn defensive menace, has fans in the front office. The Cavs went to Auburn for an in-person workout a few weeks back. After his on-court session, the team took him out for a meal. When that meeting ended, Okoro went back to the gym for a second workout, showing a work ethic and competitive drive like Collin Sexton. Okoro would be a terrific culture piece.
Then there’s intriguing Florida State forward Patrick Williams, who some believe could end up as the best player in this draft a few years from now.
USC big man Onyeka Okongwu has support. He could make a significant impact on the league’s worst defensive team. Multiple sources say Okongwu has a foot injury that could cost him training camp and possibly some of the regular season, but teams don’t expect it to significantly alter his draft stock. Okongwu’s floor looks to be the Washington Wizards at No. 9.
Haliburton, a supersized guard, is considered one of the safest players and has a few fans inside Cleveland Clinic Courts -- even though the Cavs selecting another backcourt piece would be unlikely given how many they’ve added over the last two seasons. Then again, promising youngster Kevin Porter Jr.'s incident over the weekend is a red flag.
Toppin is the most complete offensive player in the class -- a pick-and-pop threat who set a program record for dunks last season and could help immediately in their push for a playoff spot. It will be up to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to mask his defensive flaws. With Kevin Love’s name constantly popping in rumors, Toppin would be viewed as the long-term replacement.
Israeli swingman Deni Avdija is believed to sit near -- or at the top -- of Tier 2. The playmaking forward would be considered the best match of talent and fit.
In a swap with the Knicks, the Cavs could drop a few spots, pick up some assets and allow other teams to declutter their options, taking the best player remaining from Tier 2, where there seems to be little separation.
The Celtics, with a tight salary cap situation and roster crunch, are eager to use their three first-round picks (14, 26 and 30) to move up. How far can they climb? What else would they have to include? Would it be for Okongwu or Okoro? Dropping down to 14 wouldn’t be ideal for the Cavs, who see a dip in talent in the 10-11 range. The Cavs did, however, have an in-person workout with RJ Hampton, who is projected anywhere between 12 and 20.
Would the two teams get wild and create a monster deal that includes Andre Drummond and Gordon Hayward in a bloated-contract swap along with the fifth pick?
The Pistons have been tied to Williams. There was some speculation about a promise there. But Williams is starting to get looks at No. 4. If the Williams-to-Chicago buzz turns out to be just smoke, then Detroit moving up a few spots to snag the “fastest riser” -- or even jumping Atlanta at No. 6 for Haliburton -- would be something to watch. What’s the price to move up just two spots? Is Luke Kennard too much from Detroit’s perspective? Could a future pick be a possibility?
Cavaliers reportedly did have a ton of interest in Okoro, so it's not really surprising to see him go here. Tough defender, so that will help.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
It's funny .... but I think that the Knicks got their guy even though they wound up standing still.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Fear the Sword has independently confirmed the news. Stevens was ESPN’s 24th-best undrafted prospect. He’s a 23-year-old, 230-pound 6’8” wing/forward who played four productive seasons for the Nittany Lions, averaging double figures in each season.
The concern is his three-point shooting — he shot just 26.3% on three-pointers last season and 22% the year before. Per KenPom, he was in the top-50 in the nation last season in percentage of possessions last year, so it’s not for a lack of trying. He also turns the ball over at a high clip — he was 495th in turnover percentage last year, per KenPom — and that’ll have to change. His steal percentage (2%) and block percentage (3.8%) do indicate some defensive potential.
Still, Stevens is a fun two-way bet. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s even a G League season, but he’s got the size and ability to score where he could be developed into something.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
I wanted Dani, but then again, I'm not an NBA GM or talent scout. If Okoro can play D like they say and work on his shot, then maybe we're a better than we were yesterday, which is the goal.
Drummond picked up his option, which I think we expected, but there was talk he might have been traded as an expiring contract. However, that's a big number for a big. Looks like this is our starting lineup:
CSexton DGarland IOkoro Klove ADrummond
I think that means TT is gone, which was also expected. I thought the FO might want to keep TT so he can retire as a Cav, but we'd probably trade him long before that happens. I suppose, it would be a good idea to sign him and then trade him at the deadline, as a way to stockpile picks, but that depends on TT taking a moveable contract number.
Excited to have basketball start back up. I might get League Pass this year.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
Beginning in the 2017 offseason, NBA rosters expanded from 15 to 17 players with the addition of two spots for players under “Two-Way Contracts.”
NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team. Two-Way players are paid a corresponding daily amount based on the number of days they play in each league. Only players in their fourth NBA season or earlier are able to sign Two-Way Contracts, which can be for either one or two seasons.
Beginning in the 2017 offseason, NBA rosters expanded from 15 to 17 players with the addition of two spots for players under “Two-Way Contracts.”
NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team. Two-Way players are paid a corresponding daily amount based on the number of days they play in each league. Only players in their fourth NBA season or earlier are able to sign Two-Way Contracts, which can be for either one or two seasons.
Basically, the player is then tied directly to the team and can't be pilfered by other teams, as can other players in the G-League. Player is paid $75,000 (as opposed to the "one-way" contract that pays G-League players $26,000). Player is paid the league minimum ($816,000 prorated by days of service) for time they spend at the NBA level. In total, a two-way player who spends the maximum amount of time in the NBA would make $279,000.
Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson is headed to Boston on a two-year, $19 million contract, a league source confirmed Saturday night.
Thompson, 29, the Cavs' fourth overall pick in 2011, played out the final season of his contract that paid him $18.5 million in 2019-20. With guard Matthew Dellavedova also a free agent, Thompson's departure leaves Kevin Love as the only Cavalier under contract from the 2016 NBA championship team.
During the league's free agency period, contracts can become official on Sunday.
Thompson set the franchise record by playing in 477 consecutive games. He also ranks in the Cavs' top 10 in several categories, including offensive rebounds (2,115, second), defensive rebounds (3,278, fourth), total rebounds (5,393, third), blocked shots (447, sixth), games (619, seventh), field goal percentage (.518, seventh) and rebounds per game (8.7, 10th).
In his Cavs' career, Thompson averaged 9.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists.
Asked about his memories in Cleveland during a May 14 Zoom call, Thompson said, “Memories have been great. Getting drafted in 2011, winning a championship, then being in the lottery, been at the bottom and top. I think it’s a great experience for my career, especially with one team and going through all those different storylines, it’s been a blessing.
"Being in my ninth season, never thought in a million years I would have the success I’ve had, so for me it’s just taking it one day at a time and enjoying every bit of it. Meeting so many great people, being part of a franchise and city that’s been through so many tough times and being able to break the 52-year drought — that was the most important thing I think in my time here. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Not sure why you are thrilled. He was a solid player, but things change. We have other options outside.
My hope is we get Drummond for a few more years. I know some thinking gets away from a true center in todays NBA, but I still think a solid rim protector who can get you 17 points a game and 17 boards a game is a big plus.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
I actually would have preferred to keep thompson, he's been decent, just not worth his contract. Always been my contention with him, not sure what I think of the McGee trade, dude always does a few dumb things each game, I would have liked to get an extended look at Zizic and see if he could develop more. He's had flashes. Getting the second was good. I know our defense was bad last year and they tried to fix with the two rookies, but offense at the 3 is still an issue. Going to be a weird offseason this year being that we should already be playing games and we still aren't for another month. NBA will learn like MLB, don't try to compete for NFL viewership, it won't work
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday. -John Wayne
Marc Gasol will sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe. The deal will last two seasons, and to facilitate Gasol's presence, the Lakers will trade JaVale McGee to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Wojnarowski. The Lakers will receive Jordan Bell and Alfonzo McKinnie in that deal, but both have waivable non-guaranteed deals.
Gasol will presumably slot into McGee's role as the starting center in Los Angeles. He should provide a meaningful upgrade in that role considering how well his skill set fits alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Spacing was a serious problem in the starting five last season largely because of McGee. Gasol shot 38.5 percent from behind the arc last season. He is a stellar defender, and while he's slipped a bit with age, that has largely related to mobility. Davis can cover him on that front. Gasol's passing will mesh very well with James, who loves players with high basketball IQs.
Gasol was drafted by the Lakers in 2007. He never played a game in purple and gold, though, because he was dealt Memphis in exchange for his brother, Pau Gasol, to the Lakers. The Lakers could technically bring Pau back this season on a minimum deal, an idea he has expressed interest in. Pau won two championships in Los Angeles. Marc, on a two-year deal, will hope to replicate that feat.
The Raptors, meanwhile, have lost both of their top big men from last season to Los Angeles. Serge Ibaka is signing with the Clippers. Gasol is now a Laker. Toronto has stopped some of the bleeding by signing Aron Baynes, the best remaining big man on the market, to a two-year deal, but their status as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference is in serious jeopardy.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
Cavs just signed Delly to a 1 year deal. IMO good backup to Sexton and Garland.
With Thompson gone, that puts us now with only two guys from the 2016 title winning team. There's a small probability Kevin is trade this season, if not, he'll be traded next season for sure.
“...Iguodala to Curry, back to Iguodala, up for the layup! Oh! Blocked by James! LeBron James with the rejection!”
Not sure why you are thrilled. He was a solid player, but things change. We have other options outside.
My hope is we get Drummond for a few more years. I know some thinking gets away from a true center in todays NBA, but I still think a solid rim protector who can get you 17 points a game and 17 boards a game is a big plus.
he was average at best and took up a huge chunk of cap
Blocking those who argue to argue, eliminates the argument.
"First down inside the 10. A score here will put us in the Super Bowl. Cooper is far to the left as Njoku settles into the slot. Moore is flanked out wide to the right. Chubb and Ford are split in the backfield as Watson takes the snap ... Here we go."
Cavs / Pistons game has been real good. Drummond looks really good. Hope they re-sign him and not trade him. Right now 112-110 Pistons, 55 seconds to go in OT.
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