NBA Trades - Minnesota Timberwolves Look To Deal Corey Brewer; Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers Interested In The Veteran Swingman

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in another trying season although the franchise’s future looks brighter with the acquisition of young players that can potentially become NBA stars. As such, they are in the process of turning over the roster to a younger core and preference to deal away ageing veterans that has no spot in the team’s future plans. One of the veterans is guard/forward Corey Brewer, who reportedly is being looked at by title contenders Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets.

Marc Stein of ESPN.COM is reporting that both the Cavaliers and Rockets “have emerged as the most serious suitors for Brewer” adding that the swingman’s acquisition by either team should help add depth as they contend for a title in the 2014-2015 NBA Season.

The 28-year-old Brewer has been a journeyman already entering his eighth season in the NBA. Brewer was drafted in as the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft before landing with the Dallas Mavericks (2010-2011) and Denver Nuggets (2011-2013). He returned to Minnesota as a free agent in 2013.

While a talented and athletic forward, Brewer’ place with the Timberwolves, currently or in the future, is undefined owing to their young players led by Andrew Wiggins, who was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Wiggins share Brewer’s position at the shooting guard and/or small forward spots and Minnesota would rather trade away Brewer to make way for Wiggins’ development.

Other veterans in the line-up include Kevin Martin, Chase Budinger and Mo Williams. Recently, Minnesota waived veteran PG/SG J.J. Barea and the team has given ample minutes to rookie Zach LaVine with Barea’s departure.

Brewer Will Improve Wing Depth for Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers

Corey Brewer is not really known for his offence but he is a well-respected two way player in the NBA. Brewer, who has averaged 10.0 points, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals in his NBA career, can play defence at the 2 or 3 spot— something both the Rockets and Cavaliers can use in the regular season and especially in the playoffs.

For the Cavaliers, they have guys who are potent on offence— Mike Miller, James Jones and Dion Waiters— from the wings but needs to add another player than can defend the perimeter. Similarly, the Rockets have Francisco Garcia, Jason Terry and Kostas Papanikolaou as main back-up guys in the SG/SF spots but none is a known defensive stopper.