The Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons are all expected to pursue trades in an effort to unload some of their veteran players ahead of the trade deadline, sources told Sam Amick of The Athletic.
That said, none of the three teams are expected to make their younger players available in talks, Amick noted.
Each of the three teams listed by Amick have already been mentioned in trade rumors, perhaps none more than the Cavs, given that center Andre Drummond is on an expiring contract.
Drummond and the Cavs have not been able to reach an agreement on an extension, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency at the end of the season. The Cavs are more likely to move Drummond than run the risk of losing him for nothing.
Already, Drummond has been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets.
Along with Drummond, the Cavs may also try to move power forward Kevin Love, though the market for Love seems scarce for the injured at the moment.
The same goes for the Pistons with power forward Blake Griffin — though word is the Pistons may try to “sweeten” a potential Griffin deal with a younger player or draft pick.
The Thunder are said to be aiming to move center Al Horford, power forward Mike Muscala and especially, point guard George Hill. All three are drawing interest from contenders.
The trade deadline is March 25.
