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Report: Cavs targeting Jameer Nelson, Shelvin Mack in PG hunt

Russ Isabella / USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to search for the elusive playmaker to satisfy LeBron James.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, two veterans are on Cleveland's radar: Utah's Shelvin Mack and Denver's Jameer Nelson.

Mack makes a modest $2.4-million salary that would fit nicely into one of Cleveland's traded player exceptions, and is readily available according to Stein. He's currently serving as a backup point guard for a Jazz side with no shortage of ball-handling.

Through 42 games, Mack's averaging 7.9 points and 2.9 assists. He'll be a free agent at season's end.

Nelson, like Mack, is currently the second-string option for his club. The 34-year-old is a steady facilitator who can play off the ball, and his 3-point shooting would fit seamlessly into Cleveland's offense. He's owed $4.5 million and could also squeeze into one of the Cavaliers' exceptions.

However, the Nuggets may be reluctant to give up Nelson since they're so short on steady point guard production. Sophomore guard Emmanuel Mudiay is wildly inconsistent, and as such Nelson is often tasked with closing out games. With Denver firmly in the playoff hunt, the team may not be eager to give up an important piece.

The bigger question concerns the Cavaliers: are they willing to spend? Dan Gilbert is already writing checks for the biggest payroll in the league, and would have to pay through the nose for any minor addition since Cleveland is deep into the luxury tax.

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