Cavaliers, Kings “far apart” on George Hill trade

The Cavaliers’ deal for George Hill may not be as close as previously reported.

According to cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon, the Cavaliers and Kings are “far apart” on a deal that would bring the 31-year-old Hill to Cleveland. Per Vardon, sources are offering differing reasons for the trade breaking down. One said the Cavs attempted to change the framework of the deal, while another said it was never close in the first place.

On Wednesday, ESPN reported that the Cavs and Kings were close on a deal. In exchange for Hill, the Cavs would reportedly give up Iman Shumpert, Channing Frye and a second round pick.

Vardon also reported that Hill may still be dealing with a sore toe that caused him to miss three playoff games last season when he was playing for the Jazz.

The trade deadline isn’t until Feb. 8, so there is still time for the Cavs and Kings to come to terms on a deal. But if they are far apart, perhaps Cleveland will look at other targets. Frye’s expiring deal and Shumpert’s contract (which could be an expiring deal if Shumpert declines his player option for next season) are the one real way the Cavs have to send out significant salary without trading a more notable player, so perhaps not rushing into a deal for Hill is the smart move.