The Cleveland Cavaliers are intent on dealing guard Rodney Hood before Thursday’s trade deadline, given their rebuilding status and his pending free agency. The problem is that they’ve yet to receive any offers that would compel them to deal away the five-year veteran.
According to a source, #Cavs have received offers for Rodney Hood already, ones that Hood was intrigued by. At this point, teams are not yet meeting Cleveland's asking price.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) February 3, 2019
The Cavaliers have reportedly made it known that they’d be willing to take on bad contracts that other teams are looking to eliminate from their payroll. That would presumably make those other teams more willing to give up future draft picks that the Cavaliers would be seeking.
However, because Hood signed a $3.4 million qualifying offer that makes him an unrestricted free agent in July, he also has the right to veto any potential Cavaliers deal. Fedor indicated that Hood is seeking to go to a contending team that will offer him playing time and then offered these possibilities:
“Multiple playoff contenders have checked in on the swingman. The [Los Angeles] Clippers sent scouts to home and away games last month. The Philadelphia 76ers, who will be without starter Wilson Chandler for 2-3 weeks because of a quad injury, make sense as a trade partner, but may not have the pieces. Prior to the Anthony Davis saga, the New Orleans Pelicans were interested in Hood. That would have been an appealing destination, according to a source. New Orleans, of course, isn’t considered a “buyer” anymore. The Oklahoma City Thunder are another team to watch, as they could need an extra wing with Andre Roberson’s return uncertain following a setback after left knee surgery. Only the Thunder may not have the assets to make a deal. The San Antonio Spurs have two first-rounders and sources said they’ve shown interest.
“Golden State Warriors are keeping an eye on Hood as well, according to sources. But that may be more in case Hood becomes a buyout candidate.”
Hood’s statistical numbers for the 2018-19 season have largely been consistent with his career totals. He’s started all 45 of the games he’s played in and is averaging 12.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
If Hood is traded by the deadline, it would mark the second consecutive year he’s been in that category. Last February, he was one part of a complicated three-team deal between the Cavs, Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings. The Jazz traded him because he was scheduled to become a restricted free agent last July, but after receiving little interest from other teams, he re-signed with the Cavaliers.
Until Hood is traded, he’ll keep playing for the Cavaliers, who dropped to 11-42 on the season following a 111-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Their next contest will be Tuesday night, when they host the Boston Celtics.
