Cavs linked to Howard trade talks, but nothing imminent

The Cavaliers have been approached in trade talks between the Nets and Magic. They would take Kris Humphries in the proposed deal, although a source with knowledge of the talks said there is little substance to the negotiations at this point.

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The Cavs' involvement in a blockbuster four-team trade hasn't changed, a league source with knowledge of the trade talks confirmed to the Beacon Journal late Monday. No deal is close despite widspread reports to the contrary.

The Cavaliers have been approached by the Brooklyn Nets as a possible third team in a trade that would ship Dwight Howard out of Orlando, but the talks are not substantive and a deal is not imminent.

The Nets are reaching out to everyone with cap room, one source with knowledge of the talks said. "Nothing substantive at all right now."

Yahoo! Sports reported the Cavaliers would send Luke Walton's $6 million expiring contract to the Orlando Magic and take back Kris Humphries, Quentin Richardson, Sundiata Gaines, $3 million in cash and a first-round pick. The pick is all the Cavs are really interested in acquiring.

Adding an intriguing twist to all this is agent Dan Fegan, who represents both Howard and Humphries. In order for the disgruntled Howard to ultimately leave Orlando, Humphries may have to take either a shorter deal or less money to facilitate a three-way trade -- something he clearly would be opposed to doing.

Fegan told Sports Illustrated on Monday that talk of a one year guaranteed deal for Humphries is "ridiculous" and that at no point has he negotiated a deal for just one year.

That could be a sticking point for the Cavs. Humphries doesn't fit into their long-term plan, so they wouldn't want to be on the hook to pay him beyond this coming season. Their involvement in this deal is simply to make the salaries work and they'll pick up another pick in the process.