NBA Rumors : Cavs Targeting Bucks F Ersan Ilyasova?

CLEVELAND – According to multiple reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers are targeting Milwaukee Bucks power forward Ersan Ilyasova.

Ilyasova, a 25-year-old, 6-10, 235-pound forward from Turkey has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets, is set to meet with the Cavaliers this weekend.

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The Bucks have reportedly offered Ilyasova a five-year contract worth $40 million.

A four-year veteran that was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft, Ilyasova averaged 13 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 60 games for the Bucks.

Ilyasova would shot 49.2 percent from the field, 45.5 percent from three-point range and 78.1 percent from the free throw line.

Due to the Bucks selection of center John Henson out of North Carolina in the 2012 NBA Draft, and the veteran presence of Drew Gooden , Ilyasova may have outlived his usefulness in Milwaukee.

With the recent selections of big men Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller—via trade with the Dallas Mavericks—in the last two NBA Drafts, and the presence of Anderson Varejao and Antawn Jamison, Ilyasova may most likely be targeted as a “stretch four” type of player due to his outside shooting.

While the Cavs have been quiet for the most part in free agency, the possible addition of Ilyasova would be a step in the right direction in providing quality depth at either power forward—and in some cases—center off the bench.

The only question that remains is how will the addition of Ilyasova help, and what does his presence in Cleveland mean for Varejao, Jamison and Thompson?

Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.

In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76