NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Likely To Target Andrew Bynum-For-Richard Jefferson Swap

The Cleveland Cavaliers could trade Andrew Bynum for Utah Jazz veteran swingman Richard Jefferson, if their negotiations with the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol eventually collapse, a source close to situation reported on Sunday.

With the Cavaliers and the Lakers struggling to be on the same page regarding the Gasol-Bynum swap, Cavs general manager Chris Grant could shift his focus to his backup plan, and that's to bring Jefferson in exchange for Bynum's team salary-friendly contract.

Yahoo! Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Spears reported that the Cavs are indeed in talks with the Jazz in the potential Bynum-Jefferson swap.

"Cleveland has talked to the Utah Jazz on trading Bynum for forward Richard Jefferson, but has yet to re-engage on those talks over the weekend, league sources told Yahoo Sports. The Cavaliers are willing to part with a second-round pick in a Bynum-for-Jefferson deal, which Cleveland officials believe is likely enough return to make the transaction worth the Jazz's trouble," via Yahoo! Sports.

According to the insiders, the Jazz would be very happy to have at least compensation for trading a player who's set to become an unrestricted free-agent this summer after acquiring him from the Golden State Warriors in the offseason.

"Utah will lose Jefferson without compensation to free agency at season's end, and a pick gives them some value for a player they acquired in a Golden State Warriors salary dump last February," the article added.

Why Cavs are interested on Jefferson?

Jefferson might not have been the same All-Star caliber baller capable of dropping at least 20 points per game, but his experience and leadership would help the Cavs' young core as they try to find their identity this season.

The 33-year-old Jefferson is still averaging 10 points and 3 rebounds in 27 minutes per game this year. The veteran has also been shooting well from beyond the arc, hitting 43 percent of his shots from long range. His ability to rack up points would fill in the loopholes for the Cavs, who desperately need scoring punch at the small forward position.

Moreover, the presence of former Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Jim Boylan and San Antonio Spurs' assistant Bret Brielmaier on coach Mike Brown's bench would make the transition easy for Jefferson.   

"Jim Boylan was an assistant coach in Milwaukee while Jefferson spent a season there  and Bret Brielmaier was a player development assistant as well as a video coordinator during Jefferson's time in San Antonio. This helps to make a bit more sense of the situation," wrote Sam Vecenie of SB Nation.