NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs Had Interest In Pacers Big Man

With the NBA in a sabbatical, some are focusing their attention on what could happen this summer. One team that could be busy are the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that seemingly has all bases filled following moves at the February NBA trade deadline.

As most know, Andre Drummond ended up in Cleveland following a trade with the Detroit Pistons. The future of the 26-year-old center in Cleveland remains unknown for now. The last time he spoke about the matter, Drummond said he would prefer to leave and test free agency of John Beilein was still around calling the shots as reported in a previous post.

Of course, most know that Beilein is already out and JB Bickerstaff is calling the shots. So far, the response of several Cavs players like Tristan Thompson and Collin Sexton has been positive. Drummond has yet to air his piece and that opportunity may only happen once (and if) the NBA resumes play. Right now, that could take a while with NBA officials pondering what to make of the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA season.

Assuming that Drummond does walk, Cleveland may revisit a potential trade involving Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs inquired about the 23-year-old slot man but nothing prospered. Understandably, it appears that Turner was able to adjust with the Pacers despite some critics feeling that it may not work out between him and Domantas Sabonis.

With Turner off the table, the Cavaliers went for Drummond instead. However, there is no telling the 9th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft is now fine staying in Cleveland. Alongside Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson (ironically another player who will hit free agency), Bickerstaff has a pretty tough frontline that could turn things around by next season.

Turner could be a viable alternative only if the Pacers are willing to deal the 6-foot-11 center. He is just in the first year of a four-year deal worth $80 million so plucking him away from the Pacers may not be that easy.

Before the NBA suspended the regular-season games, the Pacers were running 5th in the NBA Eastern Conference with a 39-26 card. They are tied with the Philadelphia 76ers and suffered a loss in their last assignment. In the eyes of some, Turner could do better than his current averages. In 55 games, he has produced 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. A change of scenery could be best for him but the Pacers won't let him go without getting something equal or better.