The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly trying to make a splash on the trade front, with sources saying the team is talking to the Indiana Pacers about landing big man Roy Hibbert.
The Cavs have been one of the busiest teams in the offseason, first landing LeBron James in the biggest free agency move since King James last left Cleveland, then pulling a blockbuster trade for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love.
Now, the Cavaliers apparently have another big man in their sights. Reports have indicated that Cleveland is trying to swing a deal for Roy Hibbert, the Pacers center whose inconsistency put his job in jeopardy this year. After an up-and-down playoffs that included a pair of games with no points or rebounds, Hibbert’s place in the Pacers’ starting lineup came into question.
Earlier this summer, sources said the Pacers were trying to shop the 7-foot center, who is due $30 million over the course of the next two seasons.
“I would say they’ve been doing that, but quietly,” one front-office source told The Sporting News back in July.
Hibbert averaged only 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds during the playoffs as the Eastern Conference regular season champions failed to reach the finals.
Can confirm @TSpence26 report that #Pacers have received call from #Cavaliers . Teams discussing a Roy Hibbert trade. #NBA
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) September 28, 2014
It is not yet clear who else could be involved in the Roy Hibbert trade, but the Pacers seem receptive to making a deal. The team has reportedly put its focus into other areas, and after already losing shooting guard Lance Stephenson to free agency , could be turning their focus to other players with better long-term prospects on the team.
“They’re open to making major changes, if they’re there,” one general manager told Sporting News . “I think they’d be disappointed to see that same core group back intact, so it is a matter of, how drastic can the changes they make be? Moving Hibbert for multiple pieces would be a pretty drastic change, but they’re asking.”
[Image via ESPN]
