Apr 9, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Charlotte Bobcats small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeat the Charlotte Bobcats 94-75. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports
Joe Kotoch from SheridanHoops.com reports that the Charlotte Bobcats are trying to move their 2012 first-round pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
"Kotoch: The Charlotte Bobcats are shopping Michael Kidd-Gilchrist around the league, confident they will be able to replace him with Otto Porter of Georgetown with the No. 4 pick in Thursday’s draft.The reason the Bobcats braintrust of Rich Cho and owner Michael Jordan believe Porter will be available is because, SheridanHoops has learned from league sources, the Washington Wizards are determined to draft Anthony Bennett of UNLV with the No. 3 pick.A second league source said the Bobcats have been working the phones, gauging the interest level among teams for the 2nd pick in the 2012 NBA Draft."
Last year the Cavs had a lot of interest in the former Kentucky small forward, and with hiring Mike Brown – a defensive-minded head coach – their interest should be sparked again. Charlotte selected MKG before the Cleveland went on the clock. He averaged 9.0 points and 1.5 assists per game in his rookie season for the struggling Bobcats.
Last week I brought up a rumor on Twitter about the Cavs and Bobcats swapping first round picks and exchanging Anderson Varejao and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. When I made it up, I only intended it to be a rumor and nothing to come of it. Now with the draft less than 48 hours away, NBA writers will make up any rumor about a team in hopes they break the next big NBA Draft story. This MKG rumor could only be a smokescreen, or it can be completely the truth. And if it is the truth, you can bet your ass Chris Grant has called about MKG’s availability.
@AminESPN #1 and Varejao for #4 and MKG
— Danny (@DanFromEastlake) June 17, 2013
The Cavs have a lot of assets to put together for MKG, but Charlotte will likely want players in return, rather than draft picks — unless were talking about next year’s first round pick. The Cavs were quoted that they like their core of players and when the draft comes Thursday, they are likely to select a player to come off the bench. With the front office being in love with their core guys, I am willing to bet they are not interesting in trading any of them, either.
However, if the Cavs are able to put together a package that Charlotte likes, it would reunite two high school teammates: MKG and Kyrie Irving. Adding MKG would fill the Cavs’ biggest need: small forward. He would fit in right away with Brown’s scheme, but the Cavs would still have a need with perimeter shooting.
A trade will occur involving the Cavs at some time between now and Thursday. Whether it’s for LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMarcus Cousins, Paul Pierce, Thomas Robinson or Shawn Marion, the Cavs will look to receive the most value in return. A lot of teams will be looking for a 2014 first-round draft pick – it is expected to be the best draft since 2003 – but a lot of teams will be reluctant to part ways with it. Grant will be looking to build upon this foundation he has built and will only want to deal to draft assets they have acquired.