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Knicks Trade Rumors: Rounding up the latest buzz as of Dec. 19

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on December 14, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on December 14, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  DECEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards on December 17, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  DECEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards on December 17, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rumor: Cleveland Keeping Coveted Nets Pick For Insurance

Losing Kyrie Irving was going to hurt no matter what else transpired, but the Cleveland Cavaliers simultaneously bolstered their bench and built for the future during the 2017 offseason. In addition to building a strong second unit and acquiring Isiaah Thomas, Cleveland dealt for the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round draft pick.

According to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, the Cavaliers are searching for a short-term talent upgrade, but are unwilling to part ways with the previously alluded to draft pick.

"“They would be open to a deal by all indications,” one general manager told Sporting News. “But they’re not talking about that pick. That’s the Plan B for the LeBron stuff and from what I know, they don’t want to budge on it.”"

That’s far from a surprising revelation, but it’s one that could complicate Cleveland’s pursuit of a high-profile center in 2018.

The Cavaliers have been linked to All-NBA centers Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies and DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers. Both are regarded as elite defensive players, with Jordan also dominating as a rebounder, and Gasol possessing a dynamic offensive skill set.

Both players would help fill a void for Cleveland, which lacks rim protection and a reliable offensive option at the 5.

Appealing as those moves would be, the elephant in the room is that LeBron James is a pending free agent. Due to the widespread speculation that he could leave Cleveland this coming summer, the front office isn’t willing to go all-in without a commitment from The King.

Winning a championship will be a top priority, but being able to contend and still possess a lottery pick puts Cleveland in a position that the New York Knicks would love to be in.

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