The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Toronto Raptors by a score of 133-99 on Thursday, the team's second blowout defeat in as many games. According to Yahoo Sports, changes could soon be coming to Cleveland, with Shams Charania reporting the Cavs are willing to part ways with center Tristan Thompson -- should the right trade offer come along.
Per Charania, Cleveland will be one of the most interesting teams to keep an eye on as the NBA trade deadline approaches. The Cavs -- who have now lost seven of their last 10 games -- possess two first-round picks, including the Brooklyn Nets' first-rounder, but currently have little trade market for the valuable asset.
That's where Thompson comes into play, with multiple NBA teams citing the seventh-year center as a player Cleveland is willing to move in the right deal -- such as one for Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan.
A 2-time first-team All-NBA defender, the 6-foot-11 Jordan could provide a massive defensive upgrade to a Cavs team that currently ranks second-to-last in the league in defensive efficiency. In 41 games this season, the 29-year-old has averaged 11.8 points, 14.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
Acquiring Jordan, who is currently in the final year of his deal with the Clippers, would likely cost Cleveland more than Thompson -- perhaps rookie forward Cedi Osman and the Cavs' own first-round pick. But given the team's recent struggles, it may be time for a change. And with the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaching, the opportunity to do so is quickly running out.
