With Ray Allen likely playing elsewhere if he ever decides to come out of his hiatus, there are reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers are in talk with several veterans, including former All-Star Baron Davis, to take the slot originally reserved for Allen.
In an interview with TMZ, the 35-year old Davis revealed that he had initial discussions with several playoff contenders about a possible NBA comeback. According to sources, the LeBron James-led Cavaliers along with another former team of his, the Los Angeles Clippers, have expressed strong interest in acquiring his service.
Davis -- a 2-time NBA All-Star -- hasn't played in the league since 2012 ... but we're told he's been keeping himself in shape and is serious about a return to the pros.
Our sources say Davis -- the #3 overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft -- has been speaking with several squads who feel he could be a good backup for a young point guard. We're told the Clippers and the Cavs are among the playoff contenders interested in Davis ... with the Lakers also in the conversation.
Davis, the third overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, has been inactive since he suffered a torn ACL and MCL while playing for the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series with the Miami Heat in 2012.
Averaging 16.1 points and 7.2 assists throughout his career, Davis would be an ideal third-string point guard for the Cavaliers behind starting playmaker Kyrie Irving and his backup Matthew Dellavedova. He may have already lost his athleticism, but his experience and leadership could be valuable addition to the Cavs, especially in the postseason.
Davis once played for the Cavaliers during the 2010-2011 NBA season after he was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers along with an unprotected first-round pick, which turned into a first overall selection and was later used to select Irving out of Duke.
The Cavs’ reported interest in Davis isn’t surprising at all as they have been looking for a veteran point guard during the trading period. With the trade window already closed, the Eastern Conference powerhouse has shifted their attention to salvaging a quality player off the free-agency market.
Ray Allen remains the most-sought free-agent available in the market, although the Cavs appears to have already given up in their chase for the shooter after learning that Allen isn’t interested in joining the Cavs any longer, knowing that it would be impossible for him to get significant playing time in a very loaded backcourt.
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