Are the Cavs prepping to give Greg Oden an offer? (Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing to offer former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden a two-year deal after the trade deadline passes, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal.
The deal would reportedly include a third year as a team option.
With the uncertainty of what may happen at the trade deadline, teams are hesitant to bring on a new player because it impacts salary cap and roster slots, so that's why the Cavs are intended to wait a couple weeks. Once the dust settles, the interest in signing Oden will rise.
Oden reportedly has been targeting a comeback for the 2013-14 season, but with interest in him building, he may choose to sign now and continue his rehab as part of a team.
Oden has reportedly met with both the Cavs and the Celtics in recent weeks about a comeback. The Heat also reportedly have been interested in the big man.
The former No. 1 overall pick hasn't played a game in the NBA since Dec. 5, 2009, and had his third microfracture surgery March 2012, this on on his left knee. For his entire career, he's appeared in only 82 total games.
Oden never officially retired, but more just took time away to finish his degree at Ohio State and attempt to get healthy. He's just 24 years old and still has a unique skillset for a man his size.
The question still remains though even if Oden is signed, will he ever actually play? That might sound unfair, but his recent history suggests it remains a concern.
Oden of course played his college basketball in the state of Ohio, so this would be a homecoming of sorts and potentially exactly the kind of atmosphere around him needed to get his career on track.
Oden averaged 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds in parts of two seasons in Portland.