Former Cav Joe Smith, who was traded to the Hornets before the deal was rescinded Wednesday, is expected to seek a buyout from the Thunder within the next week. Though reports have indicated the Boston Celtics will pursue Smith, a league source said if Smith can get a buyout, he will consider the Cavs. In December, Smith said he'd have interest in going back to Cleveland if he became a free agent. Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Cavs may consider Earl Barron, a versatile big man who played for the Miami Heat last season, as a free agent. Also, a league insider said on Thursday that veteran big man Robert Horry has not ruled out returning this season, and he has a relationship with Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry. Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Celtics have been in contact with the rep for Mikki Moore, who has been waived by Sacramento. But he is not at the top of their list of potential big man signees. Boston Herald
In the potential bidding war for Moore, Cleveland has $5.135 million of its midlevel exception left, and Boston has $2.392 million of its midlevel remaining. I'm told the Cavs, like ESPN's Ric Bucher, are of the belief that Moore is going to wind up in Boston. ESPN.com
Forward-center Mikki Moore was waived by the Kings and has attracted interest from several teams, including the Celtics, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein, who said Ainge called him yesterday. Moore, a 7-footer, averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes for Sacramento this season. The Celtics signed Moore to a 10-day contract during the 2002-03 season, waiving him after three games. "There have been a lot of teams that have expressed interest," Bartelstein said. "I'm talking to the Celtics and a lot of other teams. He's definitely going to go to a team that is going to make a good run in the playoffs and where he can have some significant minutes." Boston Globe
The Jazz were approached by Sacramento about acquiring center Mikki Moore for a package of players with expiring contracts. Moore was set to make $6.2 million for 2009-10 but could have been bought out for $2 million by June 20. Salt Lake Tribune
