The Cleveland Cavaliers were monitoring the Boston Celtics efforts to acquire either Paul George or Jimmy Butler at the deadline.

The Celtics are already a top contender in the Eastern Conference, but acquiring either of those star wings would make them even more competitive in a series against the Cavaliers. Both George and Butler have played LeBron James well in the playoffs.

"The Cavs were on pins and needles yesterday about the Celtics getting Paul George or Jimmy Butler," said Windhorst on Zach Lowe's podcast. "Pins and needles. That's why I'm saying. Let's put it this way: if on day one next year it's Gordon Hayward, Al Horford, and Isaiah Thomas, the Cavs will be like 'okay, that's going to be a challenge.' If it's Isaiah Thomas, Al Horford and Jimmy Butler, the Cavs might be out there saying 'we may have to trade Kevin Love.'"

The Celtics were weighing whether to package a combination of draft assets and existing players in a deal. Danny Ainge can revisit those talks in June.