Would Corey Brewer fit better on the Cavaliers or Rockets? (USATSI)
Would Corey Brewer fit better on the Cavaliers or Rockets? (USATSI)

ESPN reports that the Rockets have pulled ahead of the Cavaliers in their pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Corey Brewer in trade talks. 

The debate is a meaningful one. The Cavaliers know that rim protection is their biggest problem (followed by all other defensive skills). But here's the list of the top rim protectors in the league (minimum 4 field goal attempts at rim, sorted by percentage allowed). Not a lot of trade candidates on this list. 

There are a couple of names on that list, Kendrick Perkins, Timofey Mozgov, Kevin Seraphin, Ian Mahinmi, that the Cavs could move for. But getting them may take away a component they'd need to get Brewer or another player later. Timing is important, and leaving yourself the ability to make another trade later has to weigh in here. 

But Brewer's also not as important. They need to get James another wing to take up minutes so he can reduce his workload, but Brewer's not a James replacement. If anything, it might be better to give Waiters more time at the three in that scenario. They can do the Brewer trade now, but that availability when weighed against their needs doesn't look great. Brewer's probably a defensive upgrade, but that's not exactly saying much.

Meanwhile, Houston is just looking for another component, but he'd be a great backup behind Trevor Ariza and allow them to not have to play so many young guys or smaller lineups. It also shows that Houston's wisely not sitting back with their hot start, and are looking to add more depth. One key component? Can Brewer get back to his three-point shooting he had in 2013, which was decent-to-good, especially from the corners, in the Rockets' wide-open offense? 

Oh, and Flip Saunders is predictably doing his song and dance about not trading Brewer: 

HT: RealGM