Dion Waiters to Pacers, Roy Hibbert To Cavs in Proposed Deal Trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly brewing another big move before the start of the 2014-15 campaign, as reports indicated their interest in All-Star center Roy Hibbert of the Indiana Pacers.

According to reports, the Cavs are preparing to send shooting guard Dion Waiters, Brendan Haywood's cap-friendly non-guaranteed deal worth $10M and a first-round pick to the Pacers for Hibbert, who was considered one of the best shotblockers in the game despite a much-publicized collapse towards the end of last season.

The Cavs have been trying to salvage a big man who can protect the rim ever since they formed a new triumvirate of superstar in LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

Despite their offensive firepower, the Cavs are still ranked behind the San Antonio Spurs in most pre-season power rankings because of their obvious hole in the middle of their defense.

Brazilian big man Anderson Verajao has been an efficient player for the Cavs for the past four seasons, but his history with injury along with his inability to protect the rim could expose the Cavs' weakness for this coming season.

The Cavs are just slightly under the salary cap, but owner Dan Gilbert is very much willing to pay luxury tax in order for them to have a better chance in bagging the championship next season.

According to T-Spence, the Cavs immediately contacted the Pacers about a trade for Hibbert after they pulled off a series of deals that sent Keith Bogans' $5M non-guaranteed deal to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a trade exception of same amount and a second-round pick.

"Following the Keith Bogans trade, the Cavaliers contacted the Pacers to inquire about Roy Hibbert. The Pacers would want Dion Waiters in return, however, the players that would be involved are not fully known," Spence told HNGN Sports via email.

"Latest from a source was that Waiters, Haywood, and a 1st had been offered, however, they would need to add players or other teams to make salaries work. Cavs may be reluctant to give up Dion as well, so this deal is still far from imminent, but does have a realistic shot at happening."

Hibbert, who averaged 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks last season, will pocket roughly $15 million this season, but the Cavs have the capacity to absorb such a huge paycheck thanks to their latest deals with the Boston Celtics and the Sixers.