NBA Rumors: Cavs, Pacers, Heat, Jimmy Butler

The Cavs are currently operating just $1.7 million above the luxury tax line.

So with all that in mind, Cleveland’s luxury tax situation could prompt some roster adjustments before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6.

“Keep an eye on facilitating teams around the league looking to take on salary for future second-round draft capital to be in touch with Cleveland leading up to the deadline,” Scotto wrote.

Pacers

The Pacers are fielding inquiries from other teams about several of their young players. Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard have all drawn attention as potential trade pieces.

• The Pacers, after a rough 9-14 start, have rebounded with a 15-6 run over their last 21 games, leaving their interest in making a trade unclear.
• Basically, teams around the league have expressed interest in Indiana’s young core, but it remains to be seen if the Pacers are willing to part with them.

Heat

A potential trade involving Jimmy Butler appears to be affecting broader trade activity across the league. According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the delayed resolution of the Butler standoff could be holding up other deals.

• A source told Smith that a trade involving Butler could impact multiple teams, with some waiting for the situation to resolve before proceeding with their own moves.
• NBA insiders expect the trade market to heat up in the final days leading up to the deadline, particularly if there’s no progress on a Butler deal.