Is Kyle Korver Cavs ‘Dream’ Target?

We know the Cleveland Cavaliers have been targeting Kyle Korver but is he the team’s “Dream” target?

Brian Windhorst reported last week that the Cavs were interested in the hot-shooting wing from the Atlanta Hawks. For many Cavs fans it seemed like a dream scenario and one that was highly unlikely given the Hawks situation and Korver’s talent:

It makes a lot of sense for the Cavs to pursue him and since we have heard that the Hawks are ready to make huge moves to move forward in a new way. That means Korver may be attainable even with the Cavs limited resources. The Cavs may even get involved with some multi-team deals to try to get Korver.

The Cavs Traded Player Exceptions, Cedi Osman and their 2018 First Round pick all should have value while Timofey Mozgov and Iman Shumpert may also be dealt. Somewhere in there should be enough value to obtain Korver.

The real question is whether Korver really is the Cavs’ “dream” target:

"Kyle Korver has been described as the “dream target” for the Cleveland Cavaliers."

That report isn’t sourced but for fans he is indeed their dream target if they don’t move Kevin Love in a bigger trade.

For a Cavs team that is trying to win an NBA Title, is Korver the fit they need? We know he has been an amazing 3 point shooter for most of his career. In his 12 seasons, with 4 teams, Korver has made 43% of his 3 point shots. The last 3 full seasons Korver has shot 46%, 47% and 49% from deep. Those are quality numbers from 2 point range much less from deep. At 6’7″, Korver has also been an decent defender and a good team defender.

However, at 34 about to be 35, Korver’s slow down has been drastic. Whether his injury at the hands of the Cavs last year has anything to do with it, Korver is only shooting 39% from the field and has lost a step on defense. If he isn’t shooting out of this world, Korver’s value dips quickly. The “threat” of Korver is still there but the actual gravitational pull on the defense is not as great.

At his best, as recent as last season, Korver would fit great catching passes from Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. Having Korver on one side of the court and Kevin Love and/or J.R. Smith on the other, along with Irving and James, would be deadly. Defenses would struggle to figure out where to hold their attention. Korver’s good free throw shooting also would be a welcome addition to the Cavs.

This year’s Korver is shooting worse than J.R. and Matthew Dellavedova and has lost a step on defense. Against the Warriors who, lets face it, are the team that matters, Korver should help as a threat but be hurt as a defender. For people who think the Cavs only way of winning is to outscore the Warriors, Korver might be a great piece.

Korver currently is ranked 35th out of 49 qualifying guards in defensive rating. Not exactly adequate this year.

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For people who think the Cavs only way of winning is to outscore the Warriors, Korver might be a great piece.

For those who think defense is the key to beating the Warriors, Korver is not the answer.

Is Korver the “dream target” for the Cavs? Perhaps. He may be attainable. He has a great history as a shooter. His contract isn’t terrible. He isn’t as bad of a defender as James Jones.

If the options are between doing nothing and the Ben McLemore‘s of the world, Korver is a dream. Realistically, he could help the Cavs more than he could hurt the Cavs but isn’t going to cure all that ills them, especially against the Warriors.

What do you think about Kyle Korver the “dream target”?