NBA Rumors: Josh Hart Has "Strong" Trade Interest From East Contender

He was seen as a nice piece of the Portland Trail Blazers core after coming over last season and averaging 20 points in his 13-game trial. But Josh Hart has now become a "very very hot" commodity on the trade market, and one Eastern Conference contender has now been revealed as a strong suitor.

Cavaliers reportedly have ‘strong’ interest in Blazers wing Josh Hart (@cwmwrites) https://t.co/Pr2qWvp9rN pic.twitter.com/rBivcv26Wz

— FearTheSword (@FearTheSword) February 5, 2023

According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, "the (Cleveland) Cavaliers are among the teams expressing strong trade interest in Portland's Josh Hart, league sources say."

The Cavaliers are looking for a strong wing to add to their mix, alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. 

The 6'5" wing averaged 14.9 points last season, with 7.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Hart has been a good defensive player through much of his career, though his defensive rating has slipped a bit this season. He's still, however, rebounding at an elite level, especially for his size, pulling down 8.2 boards per game.

The 27-year-old has an odd player option in his contract that would make the rest of his contract non-guaranteed should he pick it up, which means all signs point to him becoming a free agent after the season. 

Hart's scoring numbers are down this season, however, averaging just 9.5 points and 29.6% from three-point range. But ESPN NBA Insider Zach Lowe says "Josh Hart is a name that is very, very hot right now. A lot of teams would like Josh Hart." He pegs the Miami Heat as another potential suitor. 

Photo:  Valdez-USA TODAY Sports