Report: Cavaliers covet Wes Matthews, Blazers not looking to deal

The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled all season long to find permanency in the starting lineup at shooting guard.

Head coach David Blatt tabbed Dion Waiters to start at two-guard to begin the season. However, Waiters' ineffectiveness, coupled with an unforeseen injury, prompted Blatt to start veteran forward Shawn Marion. The swap afforded the Cavaliers with a defensive upgrade, but Marion's lack of shooting ability has at times stifled the Cavaliers' attack.

Without an ideal in-house candidate, the Cavaliers are reportedly looking to acquire a two-way guard through trade. According to a report from Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, the Cavaliers have eyed Portland Trail Blazers sharpshooter Wes Matthews for some time, but the Trail Blazers have thus far rebuked their overtures.

Given that Matthews is an integral member of the Trail Blazers' starting five, it's no surprise that Portland is refusing to budge. Matthews is averaging 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists, connecting on 38.8 percent of his 3-point tries, while remaining a diligent wing defender. Portland is also currently 19-6, good for fourth-place in the West, so making a major shakeup would be unwise.

However, should the Trail Blazers tumble out of the gruesome Western Conference playoff picture, Portland might look to recoup some value on Matthews, who is in the final year of his five-year deal. The 28-year-old shooting guard is owed $7.5 million this season.