Report: Jazz have dangled Derrick Favors in attempt to get No. 1 pick
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a good number of options if they decide to move the No. 1 pick in Thursday's draft.
Following the injury to presumed top pick Joe Embiid, the Cavs have three options to weight atop the draft - draft Jabari Parker, who doesn't seem like a guy who wants to go there, draft Andrew Wiggins or deal the pick.
It's that final option that's become most interesting in the days leading up to the draft. The Philadelphia 76ers are thought to have offered the No. 3 pick and Thad Young. The Orlando Magic have reportedly offered the No. 4 pick with the No. 12 pick and Arron Afflalo.
And now, looking to move up from No. 5, the Utah Jazz are said to be offering up that pick, the No. 3 pick from 2010 in Derrick Favors, and one of either Alec Burks, the No. 23 pick or a future first, though the third piece in the deal is the sticking point.
Per @1280Spence, Jazz initially offered Favors/5 for No. 1. Cavs wanted unprotected first-rounder. Utah reportedly countered with No. 23.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) June 23, 2014
.@1280Spence clarified that Favors and #5 are on the table. Alec Burks, #23 and/or an unprotected first-rounder are potential sweeteners.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) June 23, 2014
While that sounds enticing, some doubt has been cast on whether the Jazz are actually open to moving Favors and the latest from Cleveland is that the Cavs haven't been given an offer they like.
The reluctance would be understandable from Utah's perspective, as Favors has impressed so far. As a 22 year old this season, he averaged 13.3 points and 8.7 rebounds in 30.2 minutes while shooting 52.2 percent from the floor. Burks, meanwhile, was the No. 12 pick in 2011 and took a major step forward at age 22 this season, averaging 14 points and 2.7 assists.
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