Cavs’ Cap Maneuvers Prompt Leaguewide Giannis Speculation
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are working the phones in an effort to duck the NBA’s second tax apron, league sources told Hoops Wire. Moving Lonzo Ball and a minimum-salary contract would drop Cleveland below the threshold, restoring its ability to package salaries in trades and expanding its flexibility at Thursday’s deadline and into the summer.
Cleveland’s Math and the Giannis Question
Several rival executives believe that cap space could allow the Cavaliers to pursue Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Evan Mobley viewed as the potential centerpiece of any offer. Team insiders, however, say Cleveland has shown no interest in parting with Mobley, and any Antetokounmpo deal would also require sizable draft capital. Still, the mere discussion underscores how closely the league is tracking the Cavaliers’ cap strategy this week.
Warriors’ Limited Options for Kuminga
Golden State’s market for Jonathan Kuminga has narrowed to the Bucks and Washington Wizards, according to the report. A Kuminga move would likely occur only as part of an Antetokounmpo package before the deadline. With the Sacramento Kings exiting the mix after acquiring De’Andre Hunter, alternatives for the Warriors have diminished. If Antetokounmpo remains in Milwaukee, Kuminga is expected to stay in San Francisco until at least the offseason.
Timberwolves Swinging Big
Sources told Hoops Wire, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst echoed, that Minnesota is among the most aggressive teams in current trade talks. The Timberwolves’ primary target is Antetokounmpo, yet they reportedly have a contingency plan focused on upgrading the point-guard spot if a blockbuster with Milwaukee fails to materialize. Owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez have publicly expressed a desire to make a major splash, and pairing Antetokounmpo with Anthony Edwards sits atop that wish list.
The trade deadline arrives Thursday, leaving limited time for any of the discussed scenarios to crystallize.
Source: Hoops Wire
