Report: Cavs called Warriors about Kyrie-for-Klay swap

The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared willing to make a trade with their biggest Western Conference rival prior to Tuesday's blockbuster deal.

Cleveland general manager Koby Altman called the Golden State Warriors regarding a potential trade surrounding Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving, but the defending champs turned him down, a source told ESPN's Marc J. Spears.

Irving was ultimately traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Brooklyn Nets' unprotected 2018 first-round pick.

While Irving is arguably the better individual player, Thompson is a much better fit in the Warriors' system given his ability to score off the ball and defend the 3-point line. Irving also shares the same position as two-time MVP Steph Curry, and typically needs the ball in his hands to be effective on the offensive end.

Thompson is coming off another terrific season with Golden State, averaging 22.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from the floor and 41.4 percent from deep.