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Veteran guard Corey Brewer has reportedly completed a contract buyout with the Lakers and is now a free agent. According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, the Cavs are one of the team’s interested in Brewer, who wants a “legit” role on his next team. The other teams interested are the Blazers, Bucks, Thunder, Timberwolves, Wizards, Jazz and Pelicans. Yahoo has also reported the Cavs’ interest in Brewer.
Corey Brewer expected to take his time in deciding his next spot after his Lakers buyout, I’m told. Cavs, Wizards, Portland, Bucks have shown some interest already, but Corey wants a legit role.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 28, 2018
OKC not expected to make any additions until after March 1, I’m told, but Corey Brewer definitely on their radar. T-Wolves, Jazz, Pelicans also expected to be in mix (already mentioned Cavs, Wiz, Portland, Bucks). Teams also monitoring Trevor Booker situation in Philly.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 28, 2018
After sending six players out at the trade deadline, and only taking four players back, the Cavaliers do have two open roster spots. Brewer, 31, would offer some extra wing depth behind J.R. Smith, Rodney Hood and Kyle Korver. He’d likely slot in behind rookie Cedi Osman, too. As a result, if he were to sign with the Cavs, it is unclear if they would offer him the type of role he’s looking for. And as a career 28 percent three-point shooter, he’s not exactly what the Cavs typically look for on the perimeter.
If Brewer did sign the Cavs, it would not only reunite him with ex-Lakers teammates Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson, but also Kevin Love. Brewer and Love played together with the Timberwolves for two and half seasons before Brewer was traded to the Knicks as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade. He was waived by the Knicks without playing a game in New York and subsequently signed with the Mavericks, where he was part of the the team that beat LeBron James’ Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.
For the season, Brewer is averaging 3.7 points per game while shooting 45.3 percent from the field. Because of when he completed his buyout, Brewer is playoff eligible.