Ever since the David Griffin stepped in as general manager, the Cleveland Cavaliers have gone from the NBA's laughing stock to genuine title contenders overnight. And apparently, Griffin is not done making block buster trades this offseason just yet as reports are spreading that he is after another big name: Roy Hibbert. Tyler Spence of Sports Talk broke the news Sunday and confirmed on Monday that his source was indeed reliable.
"Following the Keith Bogans trade, the Cavaliers contacted the Pacers to inquire about Roy Hibbert. The Pacers would want Dion Waiters in return, however, the players that would be involved are not fully known," Spence told HNGN Sports in an email Monday morning. "Latest from a source was that Waiters, Haywood, and a 1st round pick had been offered, however, they would need to add players or other teams to make salaries work. Cavs may be reluctant to give up Dion as well, so this deal is still far from imminent, but does have a realistic shot at happening."
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been scouring for a big man this offseason and it's no secret that they are looking to bring in a rim-protecting center to their apparently "thin" front court. Its a safe bet that Hibbert would have a positive impact on the Cavs and their quest for an NBA title. The team's only glaring weakness is interior defense and a trade for hibbert would patch that hole very well. According to Seth Partnow of Nylon Calculus, Hibbert was the leader in contested shots at the rim last season at 60.49 percent and saved about 8.8 points per game per 36 minutes protecting the rim.
For the Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, the trade could make sense if the team want's to stay afloat until their superstar Paul Goerge returns from injury. After losing Lance Stephenson to the Charlotte Bobcats this summer, the team is in serious need of scoring and having Dion Waiters in their back court could be enough to hold the fort down until George makes it back into the rotation late in the season. Waiters scoring boost could be enough to put the Pacers in the 7th or 8th seed in the West - just in time until George returns for the playoffs.
But as Tyler Spencer reported, a third or fourth team would be rquired if the deal is to be made. Hibbert also has a player option next season, which creates doubts in his long-term status with the Cavaliers with both LeBron James and Kevin Love will join him in the free agency next summer.
Do you think it would be smart for both the Cavaliers and the Pacers to pursue such a trade deal?
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