NBA Rumors: Cavaliers Looking At Another Key Trade Move

Why stop now? The Cleveland Cavaliers made a big splash in the offseason, swooping in to nab 3-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz to add to their exciting young core. 

Now the word is that they're interested in adding another big piece, one with some serious playoff pedigree. 

REPORT: The Cavaliers are “said to have interest” in trading for Jae Crowder.

(via @joevardon, https://t.co/IpDfk6YgyY) pic.twitter.com/1b8RlITQOJ

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2022

As noted by Joe Vardon in The Athletic, the Cavs "are a small forward away from being really special." Their starting lineup already features Rookie of the Year runner-up Evan Mobley and All-Stars Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, and Mitchell.  

In-house candidates to start at the '3', according to head coach JB Bickerstaff,  include Isaac Okoro, Cedi Osman, Dean Wade, Caris LeVert and Lamar Stevens. 

But Crowder brings a resume that includes being a team leader, a proven 3-and-D big, and long playoff runs over the last several years, with the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. 

Adding the 32-year-old big man would edge the Cavs one step closer to being a legitimate championship contender. 

In a 10-year career, Crowder has averaged 9.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in about 25 minutes. But those numbers all get bumped up come playoff time, to 10.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 29 minutes per game. 

Other teams said to be looking at Crowder include the Heat and the Celtics, along with the Milwuakee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies. 

Photos: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports