Chris Tomasson of the Akron Beacon-Journal reports: Sources say the Cavaliers will take a close look this summer at free-agent point guard Rafer Alston. ``I'd love to play for Cleveland,'' said Alston, who last season averaged 3.5 points for Milwaukee. The Cavs, looking for a backup to Andre Miller, can't talk to Austin until July 1. Austin will seek a first-year salary around $1 million.

Cavs European scout Rudy D'Amico said it would be a ``reach'' to draft forward Nikoloz Tskitishvili. D'Amico, a Florence resident, has seen Tskitishvili, 19, play regularly in Italy. ``The kid is unproven, but he's got talent,'' D'Amico said. Paxson said the Cavs are looking to take a player who is as NBA ready as possible. He continues to not rule out the possibility of a trade involving the pick.

The Cavs can issue qualifying offers to restricted free agents Ricky Davis, Michael Doleac and Brian Skinner between the day after the NBA Finals and June 30. Paxson said the Cavs definitely will offer Davis and will wait until after the draft before deciding on Doleac and Skinner. It's a long shot either will be back.... When asked about Miller telling the Beacon Journal that he deserves the maximum salary, Paxson said he won't ``negotiate in the papers.''... Paxson attended the NBA's Competition Committee meeting Tuesday, where a main topic was having instant relay next season. ``I'm pretty sure we're going to have it,'' Paxson said.