The Cavaliers are offering the 4th, 24th and 33rd picks to the Bobcats for the 2nd and 31st, according to Chris Broussard.

Cleveland is presumably trying to jump ahead of the Wizards to select Bradley Beal.

The Bobcats are in discussions with the Cavaliers and Rockets about a deal involving the second overall selection.

Charlotte began Thursday in talks with five separate teams.

The Wolves have been shopping Derrick Williams since the deadline, according to sources.

Minnesota reported offered Williams to the Bobcats in exchange for the No. 2 overall pick. Charlotte quickly declined the offer.

The Bobcats have five separate legitimate offers to trade the second overall pick, according to a source.

Charlotte is believed to be leaning toward selecting Thomas Robinson if the pick is retained, but a trade could allow the franchise to improves its roster in the form of multiple players.

Despite rumors of possible trades for nearly a month, general manager Rich Cho says it will take "something enticing" for the Bobcats to move out of the No. 2 slot in the draft.

Charlotte is believed to be leaning towards drafting Thomas Robinson.

"We've had a ton interest from across the league in the second pick," said Rod Higgins. "We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't listen and find alternative ways to try to help our ballclub."

Cho lives by the philosophy of "draft talent and trade for need."

The Bobcats are interested in moving down from the No. 2 slot and are looking to package the contract of Tyrus Thomas along with the pick.

Charlotte would trade down while still hoping to select Thomas Robinson.

Thomas has $26 million remaining on his contract, but is coming off the worst season since he was a rookie.

The Bobcats have acquired Ben Gordon and a lottery protected 2013 pick in a trade with the Pistons for Corey Maggette, according to sources.

Gordon has two seasons remaining on his contract while Maggette's deal expires in 2013. Gordon is owed $25.6 million on his contract while Maggette will earn $10.9 million. Detroit will save $14.7 million with the trade.

Sources confirm to Ken Berger that the first round pick is lottery protected in 2013, top-eight in 2014, top-one in 2015 and unprotected in 2016.

Mike Dunlap said the Bobcats are taking a “hybrid thinking” approach to the draft, which means evaluating the talent available at No. 2 while simultaneously considering trading down.

“I think anybody in our situation would have that on the board,” Dunlap said. “(Our) people are very smart up top. So options and thinking of your variables is a very smart thing to do.”

Charlotte is also looking to acquire an outside shooter.

“The ability to make the three is important because it allows you to play inside the 3-point line,” Dunlap said. “What happens is a defense collapses and it gets crowded in there. I would say that is safe to say that we need to do that. And we need to do a better job with our spacing, too. But as far as the roster goes it’s always nice to have guys who can shoot a basketball.”

Curtis Polk said the Bobcats could use their estimated $21 million in cap space to facilitate a trade between two other teams.

“If we don’t land the big fish – there’s not a lot of movement and we’re not a big glamour market right now – then we need to use this in a lot of different ways,” said Polk. “It’s not just (the resources) to accumulate star free agents, but to put pieces in place that Mike (new coach Mike Dunlap) is going to need.”

Polk said the Bobcats also are considering adding a veteran player.

“A really classy guy who could also be a good teacher and mentor,” Polk described. “And he comes here for two years at $5 million a year. And then we get the (cap) room back after that.”

George Karl praised the Bobcats for hiring Mike Dunlap.

“To hire a guy of knowledge and character and service more than spin and perception is something that makes me feel great,” Karl said. “The basketball gods kind of rewarded the right stuff.”

Karl described Dunlap, who worked as an assistant in Denver from 2006-09, as “probably the most intelligent guy I ever talk to about the game of basketball.”

“Mike provides insight that I’ve never had anybody deliver,” Karl said. “When you talk to him off the court, he could be Socrates. On the court, he’s an intense, competitive SOB.”