Adrian Wojnarowski: Cleveland has traded Kyle Korver to Utah, league sources tell ESPN.
More on Kyle Korver Trade
Adrian Wojnarowski: Utah is also sending Alec Burks to Cavaliers in the deal, league source tells ESPN.
In conversations the Cavs have had around the league, they've begun to express that they'll be willing to take on long-term salary as the trade deadline approaches, league sources said. The Cavs have a couple of veterans they are going to be willing to trade. The most interest is expected to be in Kyle Korver, who is shooting 46 percent on 3-pointers, but they also have the attractive contract of George Hill, who is making $19 million this season and has just $1 million guaranteed for next season. Hill, who is out because of a shoulder injury, was off to a good start, averaging 12.6 points and shooting 48 percent on 3-pointers in 10 games.
One of the shooters who has piqued Budenholzer’s curiosity is one of his former players when he coached the Atlanta Hawks: Kyle Korver. Korver spent five seasons in Atlanta and earned a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team in 2015 while being coached by Budenholzer. Korver is now with the Cleveland Cavaliers and it’s no secret the Cavs are more than willing to depart with the 6-foot-7 Korver and resume their rebuild since the departure of LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers over the summer. According to sources, the Cavs are seeking a first-round pick for Korver, although the prevailing feeling among several NBA officials is that no team will likely agree to the Cavs’ asking price.
It’s no secret the Bucks are looking to trade veteran reserve guard Matthew Dellavedova who is a former Cavaliers fan favorite. Dellavedova began his NBA career with the Cavs in 2013 and spent three seasons with them before being dealt to Milwaukee in the summer of 2016 for Albert Miralles and $200,000. If the Cavs were to take on Dellavedova, they would likely request a draft pick or young player as well.
League sources said Thon Maker, who makes $2.8 million this season, D.J. Wilson, who makes $2.5 million, or Christian Wood, who makes $1.5 million. would be potential candidates in a Korver-Dellavedova deal. Like Dellavedova, Maker, Wilson and Wood are buried on the Bucks’ depth chart. The Bucks aren’t the only team interested in Korver’s services. Sources said Philadelphia, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles Lakers are also among the Korver suitors.
The Sixers need shooting in a bad way after losing Saric and Covington. They talked a trade with the Cavaliers for Kyle Korver during the offseason and retain interest now, according to league sources. Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee is also available. Shooters are a scarcity on the market, though; the Sixers may need to look to the buyout market like they did late last season with Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova. No matter the player, it should be a priority to retain flexibility heading into next summer.
The first player Altman ever signed to a contract as GM was Kyle Korver. It was a three-year, $22 million deal inked in July of 2017, but it came with an understanding: If LeBron were to leave, the Cavs would either trade Korver or buy him out of the deal so he could move his family to his next team during the summer. So when LeBron left July 1 for the Lakers, Korver asked for the Cavs to move him. They refused because, they told him, they wanted him to play and for the team to try and win. To be fair, in the event of a Korver trade they would want maximum value in return, like a first-round pick. Anyway, the same basic message of competing now was communicated to Kevin Love before he agreed to a four-year, $120 million extension and to rest of the returning players.
Meanwhile, the Cavs have initiated testing the trade market for guard Kyle Korver in the past several days, sources said. There was some trade interest in Korver last summer, and the Cavs are circling back on those talks.
On the trade front, multiple outlets have reported the Cavs and Sixers engaged in discussions over Kyle Korver. The Philadelphia Inquirer said the two sides talked about a swap of Korver for Jerryd Bayless. A team source told cleveland.com there was "nothing to report" on those talks. In the interim, it would seem the Cavs might look for more for Korver, who is 37 and still an excellent 3-point shooter on a favorable contract.
Marc Stein: A trade sending Cleveland's Kyle Korver to Philadelphia in exchange for Jerryd Bayless is "possible" but also "far from certain," according to one league source briefed on the talks.
Keith Pompey: According to a league source, the #Sixers have had discussions about trading Jerryd Bayless to the #Cleveland #Cavs for Kyle Korver.
Joe Vardon: "They've told Kevin Love that they don't plan to trade him and there's been discussions with JR Smith and even Kyle Korver, who virtually everyone has circled as a trade candidate, getting them ready to come back to camp. They certainly could move one or more of those guys (I certainly don't see a move for Kevin right now), and yeah, it really seems like this is what has been communicated to all the players involved, that they're gonna try this out."
I hear the Cavs are looking to move Korver. He has a contract for $7.5 million this season. In 2019-2020, he also has a $7.5 million deal with $3.4 million guaranteed.
Eric Pincus: The Cleveland Cavaliers will send $750,000 to the Atlanta Hawks in Korver/Dunleavy/Williams swap @BBallInsiders payable in 45 days of deal
The Hawks could technically start fining Dunleavy for each day missed, or go to an extreme and rescind the trade with the Cavaliers and return Korver to Atlanta. Because Atlanta had such a difficult time on the trade market securing a first-round pick for Korver, a rental player in the final year of his contract, it is far more likely that Atlanta will start working with Dunleavy’s representatives to negotiate a financial agreement. For now, the machinations between the Hawks and Dunleavy are more of a negotiating dance than a true standoff.
Chris Vivlamore: For the many asking, if Dunleavy doesn't report to Hawks it does not void trade.
Newly acquired Mike Dunleavy has yet to report to the Atlanta Hawks after being dealt to the team in the Kyle Korver trade on Saturday, according to league sources. Sources told ESPN.com that Dunleavy is seeking a buyout from the Hawks that would enable him to immediately become a free agent. The sides, according to one source, were "working through it" Sunday.
"We'll bring him in," Budenholzer said Saturday of Dunleavy after the Hawks' shootaround in Dallas. "I think he's got the type of game and a skill set that I think he could be very good playing for us. We'll just have to see how he is, integrate him, continue to build. He's a player who we've liked, and personally I've liked, for a long time. We'll see how he fits into our mix."
Korver is in Phoenix with the Cavs but is unable to play or even watch the team's game against the Suns from the bench because Dunleavy's physical hasn't been completed. The Cavs hope the medical exam will be done by tomorrow so Korver can go through his first practice with the team.
Jason Lloyd: Ty Lue hopeful everything will be in place so Korver can practice tmrw. Even if he doesn't, plan is still for him to play Tuesday at Utah
Korver must still pass a physical, but one source said the Cavs are hopeful he can join them in time for practice Monday in Phoenix. That would allow for his debut to be Tuesday at the Utah Jazz. But the timetables are fluid and nothing is yet definitive. He is not expected to be ready for Sunday's game against the Suns.
"Sheeeeit," Frye laughs when asked about his reaction to the trade. "For me, I was ecstatic 'cause now it's like, OK, who are you going to stunt to? We have guys that go downhill. We have three or four guys that really go downhill, so there will be no more double-teams. I mean, that paint is going to be wide open."
DeMarre Carroll's sage words on Cleveland after the Kyle Korver trade: “I think Cleveland, they are always challenging. First of all, we got to get one win against them before we can even think about talking about Cleveland,” he said. “Right now, we just got to keep getting better. Try to get guys back healthy. Hopefully having Sullinger back will give us that physical nature we need, going against a good team like that.”
Adrian Wojnarowski: Sources: Mo Williams still strong possibility to join Dunleavy in Korver deal. Cavs save $5.4M in salary and tax w/ Williams gone.
Albert Nahmad: Here’s what I’ve gathered on the still not yet complete Kyle Korver trade, which could be updated before completion, in case it's helpful… Cavs just traded their unprotected 2017 1st-round pick to Blazers in exchange for their 2018 1st back (previously sent in Varejao trade). This trade makes Cavs’ 2019 1st-round pick tradable. Without it, earliest tradable 1st would be in “first allowable draft” (likely 2020). Cavs, as of now, will trade Mike Dunleavy, Mo Williams and now-tradable protected 2019 1st-round pick to Hawks in exchange for Kyle Korver.
Albert Nahmad: Cavs could either: (i) save $9.6M Varejao TPE and create $2.2M TPE or (ii) reduce Varejao TPE to $4.4M, create TPEs for $4.8M and $2.2M.. Cavs would save $6.3M in salary and luxury tax by swapping Dunleavy/Williams for Korver. Payroll to $128.3M salaries + $27.1M tax = $155.4M.
Albert Nahmad: Cavs could look to sign a PG w/ open roster spot. A rest-of-season min deal would cost $1.9M incl. tax if signed tomorrow, falling $20K/day.
Albert Nahmad: Hawks would not get a trade exception in the deal (but could potentially get one with a subsequent trade of Mike Dunleavy or Mo Williams). If Hawks were to find taker for Dunleavy, the overall deal could potentially be structured as one 3-team trade or as two separate trades. Hawks wouldn’t need to waive anyone w/ 3-team trade (but Hawks/other team "touch" needed); could acquire TPE w/ 2 separate trades.
Moving Korver to an organization where he will have chance to win a championship was part of the Hawks’ consideration in trading a player who has been an important part of the organization for four-plus seasons. Korver chose to remain with the Hawks when he was an unrestricted free agent three seasons ago.
Marc Stein: As he awaits completion of his looming trade to Cleveland, Kyle Korver did not accompany the Hawks to Dallas, league sources say.
The Hawks are still finalizing details of the trade that will send Kyle Korver to the Cavaliers. The deal is not official and the parameters could change before it is completed. The transaction could be finalized Friday. As it currently stands, according to a person familiar with the situation, in exchange for Korver the Hawks will get a protected first-round draft pick (Nos. 11-30) in 2019. The pick will move to a 2020 protected pick if it does not convey in 2019. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Mo Williams will also come to the Hawks as part of the deal. To make room for two players, the Hawks must open a roster spot. They are expected to waive Ryan Kelly.
Should the Hawks choose to waive Williams, Kelly could be re-signed to a 10-day contract. Kelly has appeared in just nine games for the Hawks.
Mo Williams is joining Mike Dunleavy in the trade to Atlanta, multiple sources confirmed to the Beacon Journal, but before the Cavaliers can complete the deal that will bring Kyle Korver to Cleveland, they are first trying to clean up some bookkeeping matters with the Portland Trail Blazers. All sides are trying to complete the trade today. The Blazers currently own the Cavs’ first-round pick in 2018 as compensation for taking on Anderson Varejao’s contract at last year’s trade deadline. It would make life much simpler – and create an extra trade chip – if General Manager David Griffin can give them his team’s 2017 pick and take back the ’18 pick. At the time, league rules prevented Griffin from trading his ’17 pick.
Joe Vardon: Trade call between Cavs and Hawks still not set yet.
Anthony Slater: Draymond Green asked about the Korver trade: "Don't really matter to me what Cleveland does" pic.twitter.com/w9ft1fnOKo
Chris Vivlamore: Couple of items on the still in flux Kyle Korver trade. 1. Hawks get protected first-round pick (11-30) in 2019. Option to move to 2020. 2. Mike Dunleavy Jr. AND Mo Williams will come to Hawks. 3. Expect Ryan Kelly to be waived. Still the possibility that parameters change and Dunleavy and/or Williams get moved. Hawks have dealt with multiple teams on Dunleavy.
Chris Vivlamore: And that might happen. - RT: Eric Pincus: Technically Hawks can waive Kelly, trade for Williams and Korver, waive Mo, then re-sign Kelly, need spot for trade
Jason Lloyd: Mo Williams, indeed, part of deal, per sources. Dunleavy and Mo Williams going out, Korver coming back. Frees up roster spot for Cavs
“It’s tough,” said Paul Millsap, who also played with Korver in Utah. Kyle was a big reason I am here. To see him not in the locker room, it’s tough for me personally. “Kyle means so much to this team, to this organization, so much to our community. To see him go, it will be felt. His presence in the locker room, his presence in the community, it will be felt. It’s tough to see him go.”
Chris Vivlamore: More Bazemore: "It sucks because it’s to a team we want to beat. That stings"
“Kyle is one of the most amazing people you’ll ever meet, the most amazing teammate you’ll ever meet. Always positive. He’s just a professional the way he approaches the game. Just that aspect alone, I learned a lot from. How to take care of your body. Faith-based man. Loves his family. Checks all the boxes. He’s one of those people that you need around you on a daily basis to keep you on the straight and narrow. When I first proposed to my now fiancee, we had long talks about that and kids, treating them right, how to be a good husband and father. Those are the conversations that you can’t put on the stat sheet. He’s just an amazing person.”
Brian Windhorst: Cavs are making a separate deal with Blazers. They will trade their 2017 1st to get their 2018 first back, sources said.
“The NBA is a great job,” Korver said. “It’s a great job. I wouldn’t have any other job. But living stability is not one of the strengths of this job. You don’t know where you are going to be tomorrow. We don’t get to plan things out. That’s just part of this great job that we get to do. Last year there was all this talk and nothing happened. Who knows? We don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors. The Hawks are going to do what is best for them. I feel like we are playing in our groove again. I feel like if we didn’t have the bad road trip out west, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. It’s on us players to go out there and get wins. If you get wins, it takes care of a lot of things.”
“We are always doing our jobs and working and listening and taking calls and considering how we can do what’s best for our organization,” said Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, who also serves as the president of basketball operations.
Budenholzer would neither confirm nor deny any possible trade or that a deal was imminent. He also said trade talks have not intensified because of the Hawks’ inconsistent start to the season.
The Atlanta Hawks have begun listening to trade pitches for All-Star forward Paul Millsap in recent days, according to league sources. Sources told ESPN.com that the Hawks, fearful of losing Millsap in free agency without compensation in the summer, are not openly shopping him but are taking calls on the 31-year-old and other pending free agents, notably sharpshooter Kyle Korver and swingman Thabo Sefolosha.
Although the Hawks managed to sign Dwight Howard in free agency last summer to fill a frontcourt void, they were stung by the free-agent departure of Al Horford in that Horford, in the words of one source with knowledge of the team's thinking, got away "for nothing." The feeling within the organization now, sources said, is that it's best to gauge the trade market for Millsap, Korver and Sefolosha between now and the Feb. 23 trade deadline to guard against a repeat scenario.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Sources: Atlanta's expressing its intentions to rivals that Hawks plan to keep team intact at deadline, holding onto Horford and key guards.
One league exec claimed the Hawks “are going to break up that team,” so Teague, Kyle Korver and Al Horford have been mentioned as candidates to move. Korver may entice the Cavs (3), while Boston could be looking at Horford or Houston’s Dwight Howard (4).
Houston's Trevor Ariza, Atlanta's Kyle Korver and Washington's Jared Dudley are all on the Cavaliers' radar, but landing one of those three is highly unlikely.
In a league increasingly focused on shooting, long-range specialist Korver is another player who has attracted interest, though sources say he is less likely to leave Atlanta.
In a league increasingly focused on shooting, long-range specialist Korver is another player who has attracted interest, though sources say he is less likely to leave Atlanta. While staying the course might lead to nothing more than a second-round exit for the Hawks, the alternative demolition plan is fraught with complications.
ESPN Cleveland: Windhorst: I have heard the #Cavs have had interest in Kyle Korver as well. Hawks could be selling off pieces.
ESPN Cleveland: Windhorst: I wouldn't say Korver is likely but it is something the #Cavs would like to do.
