RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Alex Len Has Best Shot To Go No. 1 If Cavaliers Pass On Noel

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:16:17 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to make a decision on who to select with the first overall pick.

Nerlens Noel is the favorite and he will meet with the Cavaliers on Thursday.

Alex Len is the most likely alternative option, according to sources. Len would give the Cavaliers size, defensive ability and is less raw as a prospect than Noel.

The Cavaliers are also evaluating Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo and Otto Porter.

Sources: Cavaliers Couple Weeks Away From Draft Decision

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:56:19 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still a couple weeks away from deciding their plan with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, according to sources.

The Cavaliers still have not received answers on Nerlens Noel's medical situation.

If the Cavaliers get uncomfortable with Noel's medical status, Otto Porter could be their selection.

There has not been high interest in trading for the No. 1 pick.

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

Cavaliers, Mavericks, Bobcats Interested In DeMarcus Cousins

Wed, 29 May 2013 12:59:59 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Bobcats and Dallas Mavericks are three teams that have interest in trading for DeMarcus Cousins if the new ownership of the Sacramento Kings decide to part ways with their most valued asset, according to sources.

The Bobcats are motivated to turnaround their long rebuilding situation and would surely be willing to build a package for Cousins around the No. 4 pick.

Cousins would be 'Plan C' for the Mavericks if they are unable to sign either Chris Paul or Dwight Howard.

Cousins is entering the final season of his contract before reaching restricted free agency.

Noel, Porter, Len Atop Cavaliers' Draft Board

Wed, 29 May 2013 12:39:46 EDT

Nerlens Noel remains on top of the draft board of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but sources say Otto Porter Jr. and Alex Len are also being considered.

The Cavaliers spent considerable time scouting Noel throughout his rookie season at Kentucky.

Sources say the Cavaliers have already begun exploring potential trade options for the No. 1 overall pick.

Cavaliers Considering Otto Porter With First Pick

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:44:51 EDT

Otto Porter Jr. is under consideration by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick, according to a source with knowledge of the team's thinking.

Porter is a sophomore forward out of Georgetown.

Chris Grant selected Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters higher than most had projected.

Calipari: Cavaliers Should Draft Nerlens Noel With Top Pick

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:12:58 EDT

Kentucky coach John Calipari wants the Cleveland Cavaliers to draft Nerlens Noel with the first overall pick in this year's NBA draft.

"My hope is they take Nerlens because they do their research and say, 'We need that shot blocker behind what we have. ... We know he's going to gain 40 pounds. We know the trajectory,'" Calipari said. "They know where he was at the beginning of the year and they know how much he improved because they were here.

"They haven't made mistakes. If they pick him, in all likelihood, history tells you something: It's not a mistake, which means it's good for my kid."

The Cavaliers won the draft lottery on Tuesday.

Phil Handy Hired By Cavaliers As Assistant Coach

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:33:50 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hired Phil Handy as an assistant coach.

Handy was previously a player development coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Cavaliers hired Mike Brown as head coach this offseason.

Cavaliers Win Lottery; Magic, Wizards In Top-3

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:52:23 EDT

The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery was held on Tuesday in Times Square with the Cleveland Cavaliers winning for the second time in three years and third time in ten years. The Washington Wizards moved up from the eighth slot to draft third.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Orlando Magic
3. Washington Wizards
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Phoenix Suns
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
10. Portland Trail Blazers
11. Philadelphia 76ers
12. Toronto Raptors
13. Dallas Mavericks
14. Utah Jazz

Sources: Rockets Intrigue Dwight Howard

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:22:37 EDT

The Houston Rockets have emerged as an attractive free agent possibility for Dwight Howard, according to sources.

Howard became familiar with the area after spending part of two summers ago working with Hakeem Olajuwon.

Howard is also intrigued by the possibility of playing with James Harden.

Howard will engage in the free agency process and is expected to hear pitches from the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and the Rockets.

Greg Oden 'Looks Ready To Go'

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:46:49 EDT

Greg Oden is attempting to return to the NBA after not playing since 2009.

Oden has received interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, amongst other teams.

Deshaun Thomas, who attended Ohio State like Oden, said on Thursday that the two have been working out.

"Man, he looks unbelievable," he said at the draft combine. "He's running. He's lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he's ready to go. He's running, getting in shape. I'll tell you one thing. For a big 7-footer that's all he does, running and getting in shape. He's looking right."

Cavaliers Appear To Be Targeting Small Forward In Draft

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:40:50 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be looking to upgrade at the small forward position in the upcoming NBA draft.

Otto Porter is considered the top-ranked small forward.

“I’m pretty sure the Cavs are praying right now that Otto Porter is there on the board when they draft,” said ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford. “He is a perfect fit for them. If he’s off the board, I do think there is a question mark there. I think ‘3’ is the position they need the most.

“While we thought three was going to be stronger, we thought Shabazz Muhammad would be a guy that would be a great fit there. I think his play at UCLA has raised major question marks whether that’s the case.”

The Cavaliers will have four of the top 33 picks in the June draft.

Lillard, Davis, Beal, Waiters, Barnes On 2013 All-Rookie First Team

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:39:00 EDT

Damian Lillard headlines the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Team as a unanimous selection.

Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes joined Lillard on the All-Rookie First Team.

On the All-Rookie Second Team is Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Singler and Tyler Zeller.

LeBron Talks About Elbow Injury Of 2010 Playoffs

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:21:15 EDT

LeBron James has often worn a padded sleeve on his right elbow since he first suffered an injury during the 2010 NBA playoffs.

James received an MRI on the elbow, but never discussed the extent of the injury.

James shot 11-for-35 over the final two games of the Cleveland Cavaliers' second round loss to the Boston Celtics, his final games with the franchise.

"My last year in Cleveland, I had an elbow injury that lingered throughout the playoffs," said James.

"I just tried to go out there and give it all you got. It sucks because you know you can play much better. You know you can do things but the injury is not allowing you to do it. It was on my shooting arm, so it was very tough. So I know what he's going through."

Cavaliers Receive Permission To Interview Lakers Player Development Coach Phil Handy

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:05:02 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have received permission to interview Los Angeles Lakers player development coach Phil Handy.

Handy was hired by the Lakers after the NBA lockout in 2011.

Mike Brown has two spots to fill on his coaching staff.

Cavaliers Interested In Trading For LaMarcus Aldridge

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:10:56 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have held internal discussions of pursuing a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for LaMarcus Aldridge, according to sources.

The Cavaliers have enough assets in the form of young players and picks to acquire a player of Aldridge's caliber, but the front office is said to value Tristan Thompson and Dion Waiters higher than the rest of the NBA.

Mike Brown Agrees To Return To Cavaliers

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:09:53 EDT

Mike Brown has an agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers to return as head coach.

The agreement is described as being in 'handshake' in nature.

Brown has a career record of 314-167 during his 481 games with the Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. Brown won 66 and 61 games during his final two seasons with the Cavaliers, but failed to win a title with a team built around LeBron James.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! reports that Brown will sign a five-year deal worth more than $20 million.

James has been linked to a potential return to the Cavaliers in 2014, though the presence of Brown would represent an unknown factor in his decision-making process.

Jackson Uninterested In Cavaliers' Position, Seeks Front Office Role

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:32:33 EDT

Representatives of Phil Jackson have informed the Cleveland Cavaliers that he is not interested in the franchise's coaching vacancy, according to sources.

The Cavaliers fired Byron Scott last week.

Jackson, according to sources, is more interested in taking a front office position with an NBA team.

The Cavaliers assumed Jackson would not be interested in becoming their head coach, but considered it an aspect of their due diligence.

Mike Brown Meets With Gilbert About Cavaliers' Vacancy

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:16:41 EDT

Mike Brown met with Dan Gilbert on Sunday for the first time since his departure as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010.

Brown is the first candidate to speak with Gilbert since the Cavaliers fired Byron Scott last week.

Brown appears to be the frontrunner for the job, but the Cavaliers have also reached out to Phil Jackson.

Brown became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011 and was fired in November of 2012.

Cavaliers Gauge Phil Jackson's Interest In Coaching Job

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:41:04 EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached out to Phil Jackson to gauge his interest in the team's head coach opening, according to sources.

Jackson is currently considering potential options. The Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings -- if they relocate to Seattle -- could appeal to Jackson more than the Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers have had contact with Jackson after firing Byron Scott last Thursday.

Jackson interviewed with Dan Gilbert in 2005 before the Cavaliers ultimately hired Mike Brown.

LeBron: Mike Brown To Cavaliers Possibility 'Should Be Real'

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 02:01:24 EDT

LeBron James achieved success under former Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown, and now he believes the possibility of Brown returning to the Cavaliers should be legitimate.

"It should be. It should be real," James said.

The two had reportedly clashed up until James' departure in 2010, but the NBA's reigning MVP has offered support for Brown over the past season.

Brown was fired by the Lakers five games into this season.

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Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:17:02 EDT

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