League executives who have been speaking with the Cavs and other sources also involved in talks say that whether or not the Cavs make a deal may come down to J.J. Hickson. Simply, several teams want Hickson included in any trade package and, to this point, the Cavs have been balking at many of them. Hickson is not untouchable, but the team has made it clear in talks that it would take a special offer to get him.

According to sources, the Cavaliers have made some progress in talks with the Indiana Pacers over power forward Troy Murphy. But the Pacers, like many teams, still want J.J.Hickson. The Pacers, a source said, are also in talks with the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings involving Murphy and both teams can offer expiring contracts.

The Cavs have kept in touch with the Washington Wizards in talks about Antawn Jamison and the Philadelphia 76ers about Andre Iguodala, but neither appear close. The Wizards are sending out signals that they want to keep Jamison.