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How the Dwight Howard-Timofey Mozgov trade could affect the Cleveland Cavaliers

The pre-NBA Draft trade that sent Dwight Howard from the Charlotte Hornets to the Brooklyn Nets could have ramifications for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

On the eve of the NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets made a trade, albeit not one with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

At least not yet.

Sending Dwight Howard to the Brooklyn Nets for Timofey Mozgov, Charlotte appears to be beginning the process of a much-needed rebuild; in the exchange of the two centers, the Hornets will cut nearly $8 million from their 2018-19 payroll.

In the long-term, however, Charlotte is taking on money in the trade, which suggests another move for Michael Jordan's team is possibly in the works. Dating back to this past NBA trade deadline, the Hornets have been linked the Cavs, with rumors only picking back up following Cleveland's four-game exit from the NBA Finals.

As the Cavs look to bolster their roster in an effort to retain LeBron James, Charlotte presents the rare trade partner who might be willing to part with its star-caliber players. Earlier this week, Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon reported Cleveland has taken an interest in Kemba Walker, an All-Star point guard who could help fill the void in the Cavs backcourt left by Kyrie Irving.

Although Walker recently became the Hornet's all-time leading scorer -- doing so against the Cavs -- Charlotte has only made the playoffs twice and has yet to finish higher than sixth in the Eastern Conference since drafting the UConn product in 2011. With one year remaining on the 2-time All-Star's contract, there stands reason to believe the Hornets will shop Walker this summer in an effort to jumpstart their rebuild.

A partnership between Cleveland and Charlotte possesses the potential to be mutually beneficial. While adding Walker could potentially aid the Cavs in re-signing James, Cleveland possesses assets -- the No. 8 pick in Thursday's draft and expiring contracts -- which could help the Hornets tear their roster down while simultaneously infusing it with youth.

One trade that's already been floated around is a deal in which Cleveland would acquire Walker and Nicolas Batum in exchange for Jordan Clarkson, J.R. Smith, Ante Zizic and the No. 8 pick. Another variation, suggested by Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, would see the Cavs send George Hill and the No. 8 pick to Charlotte for Walker and Marvin Williams.

Credit: Jason Miller/Getty Images

Whatever the deal might be, don't expect this to be the last time the Cavs are linked to Charlotte in the coming days.

In fact, between the Hornets' Howard trade and the NBA draft a day away, a deal between the two teams could be coming sooner rather than later.

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