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The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have any picks in tonight’s draft. But according to The Undefeated’s Marc Spears, the Cavs did try to move into the second round to take Ivan Rabb from California. Rabb was ultimately picked at No. 35 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies. Per the report, terms were agreed to, but time ran out.
Cavaliers tried to land pick to get Cal forward Ivan Rabb, but deal fell through and he lands with Memphis with 35th pick, source said.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 23, 2017
Cavs thought they had deal for 34th from Kings to draft Cal's Ivan Rabb, source said but it stalled at deadline.Terms were already agreed to
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) June 23, 2017
Rabb was a projected lottery pick last year, but came back to school and fell out of the first round. A 6’10”, 215 pound power forward, Rabb averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds during this sophomore year at Cal.
How the Cavs looked to acquire him is the real story here. The Cavs reportedly had no money to buy picks like they did last year to buy the pick that turned into Kay Felder. There is a league loop hoop hole that allows teams to use this year’s money ahead of time, but it’s a gray area. It’s also possible a player was involved. It’s also unclear who was actually making the decision, as Koby Altman is still around, but no permanent replacement for David Griffin is in place yet.
There’s still time left in the second round for the Cavs to try again, so stay tuned.