The Cleveland Cavaliers could become sellers before the deadline as they continue to rebuild their roster in hopes of finally becoming a serious playoff contender again.
According to reports, the Cavaliers could shop veteran center Anderson Varejao in the coming weeks, and sources said that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets could make a strong push to land the do-it-all big man.
Sam Amico of Fox Sports revealed that the Lakers reportedly asked for Varejao during their failed negotiation last month about a trade involving Pau Gasol and then-Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum., but the Cavaliers turned down the proposal.
But according to report, it was former general manager Chris Grant who turned down the offer. Grant was recently fired by the Cavaliers, creating speculations that the Lakers will look to revive talks with Cleveland.
Previous reports indicated that Lakers are hesitant to add players with long-term deals that could hurt their financial flexibility this summer and in the summer of 2015. But sources revealed that the Lakers view Varejao as a potential starting center in the next several years as long as he can stay healthy.
Varejao has been healthy for the majority of the season, averaging 8.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this season. The 10-year-veteran has played in 48 games this season, just two-games behind his overall 50-game total over the past two seasons.
However, the Lakers are expected to be challenged by Western Conference rival Houston Rockets, who have made it no secret that Varejao will be one of their trade targets before the deadline.
According to Basketball Insiders, Rockets general manager has been trying to trade for Varejao over the past few seasons and the recent front office shakeup in Cleveland could also convince Morey to try his luck in the coming weeks.
Morey has yet to talk to the Cavaliers this season, but sources said that the Rockets could be in play for Varejao, who could play as Dwight Howard's backup especially if Omer Asik gets traded before the deadline, while also playing minutes at the power forward spot.
"Morey hasn't been engaged in discussions with the Cavaliers on acquiring Varejao, but the Rockets could be in play for a center to backup Dwight Howard with the uncertain future of the disgruntled Omer Asik with the franchise," Basketball Insiders noted.
