Despite lack of buzz, Cavs remain active in trade discussions

It's not that the Cavaliers are sitting on their hands and watching the world go by heading into the NBA trade deadline.

It's just that their conversations aren't making any sort of news. Not when the entire basketball-loving universe is focused on Anthony Davis. When it comes to the Cavs, about the only thing we know for sure is the New Orleans Pelicans star big man is not headed this way.

But fear not, Cavs fans. General manager Koby Altman is indeed manning the phone.

He's no different than any other GM. He is looking for ways to improve the future with a trade. Or as Altman did at last year's trade deadline, multiple trades.

This time, though, the Cavs are free from the LeBron James-induced high drama that comes with his every season. This time, the Cavs can keep things quiet and not have the national media breathing down their neck. And this time, the Cavs don't have to worry about pleasing James, wondering and worrying whether he will stay or go in the summer.

Don't misunderstand. The Cavs loved having James, winning the Eastern Conference every year and competing for championships. But now that he's gone, they can go about their business in a considerably more relaxed manner.

For now, the pressure is off. It's no longer a now-or-never approach. It's about trying to unload some money, maybe grabbing another young guy or two, and setting yourself up for the draft.

Can exiled guard J.R. Smith be traded? Or maybe a buyout will happen after the deadline.

What about swingman Rodney Hood? He can veto any trade, but multiple league sources believe Hood will be donning a new uniform by the end of next week.

Shooting guard Alec Burks and combo guard Jordan Clarkson are also drawing interest.

The same goes for bigger names and bigger men Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.

WHAT'S THE DEAL?

The Cavs will listen to proposals for all. So far, there aren't a ton, at least not for anybody but Hood. But there are some talks surrounding just about everyone.

Hood is drawing the most interest, primarily from contenders. Anyone making a playoff run would love to have a player like Hood coming off the bench. The Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors are among those with an interest.

Hood would likely waive his no-trade option for any of them. And Altman and the Cavs would likely take just about anything or anyone they could get in return. This is a season of auditions and Hood's audition is up. The Cavs would prefer to get a good look at someone else.

Burks also has an expiring contract, which would make him equally desirable for opponents and just as easy to move. The San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets are among those said to have Burks on their radar.

As for Love and Thompson, yes, the interest is there. But the Cavs have no desire to trade either at the moment.

Love is due to return from toe surgery soon, perhaps as early as next week. He went through a full-contact scrimmage Thursday for the first time since his November surgery. The Cavs would need an amazing offer to trade him before the deadline. (Though the Love talk will certainly resurface around the time of the draft in June.)

Thompson has been a pro in every sense of the word -- leading, directing and showing loads of team spirit in an otherwise lost season. He has been everything the Cavs were hoping from their veteran players.

Thompson has also garnered interest from the Spurs and Raptors, as well as the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets and more. But "interest" is a long way from "offer," and so far, the Cavs have none.

That is highly likely to change between now and Thursday.

So don't believe what you're not hearing. Truth is, this season's Cavs are very clearly looking to deal.