The Cavaliers are on a course they don’t want to be on. They’ve lost 9 of their last 12 and their falling way behind the Celtics for the top seed in the East. Trade Season is upon us, so we take a look at potential partners for the Cavs.
1. The Dream
Cavaliers receive: C Rudy Gobert, PG Ricky Rubio; Jazz receive: C Tristan Thompson, PG Isaiah Thomas, PF/C Channing Frye
This is the most “out-there” trade, but it works. The Jazz swap Gobert and Thompson, and Rubio for Thomas. On top of all that, they also receive sharpshooter, Channing Frye. This helps the Cavs ultimately on the defensive front, and gives Lebron James someone else who can facilitate the ball efficiently. The Cavs are probably least likely to make this trade as the Jazz are in the playoff hunt in the West.
2. We could see it, but it’s very unlikely
Cavaliers receive: C Hassan Whiteside, PG Goran Dragic; Heat Receive: PG Isaiah Thomas, SG Iman Shumpert and C Tristan Thompson
This is another one of those deals that will not happen. The Cavaliers desperately need defensive and offensive help. Thomas is only 6 games into his season, but he can’t seem to get up to speed. This trade would allow Dragic to come in and be an immediate help on offense. Also swapping Whiteside for Thompson gives the Cavs some athleticism on the defensive end.
3. Intriguing, but won’t happen
Cavaliers receive: C Andre Drummond, SG Avery Bradley; Pistons receive: C Tristan Thompson, SG Iman Shumpert, C Channing Frye
This is a trade that could actually happen. The Pistons are barely hanging onto the #8 seed in the East, with the 76ers looming in the background. Also this gives the Cavs help on defense and offense alike. Drummond is a pure center, which would allow Kevin Love to slide to the 4 on occasion or even still play the 5 off the bench. Avery Bradley could be a reliable scoring plug, but also provide the kind of defense needed to guard Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry or DeMar DeRozan.
4. Darkhorse Candidate
Cavaliers receive: SG CJ McCollum, C Jusuf Nurkic; Blazers receive: C Tristan Thompson, SG JR Smith, 2020 Heat 2nd Round Pick
This is an interesting trade partner for Cleveland. The Cavs would receive McCollum, who can play the 1 and 2 positions, and can put up 30 any given night. They would also receive a good defensive player in Nurkic. With the Blazers, he’s receiving only 27 minutes a game. The Cavs could bump that up to 30 or 34 minutes by adding him to the rotation. Shoring up the defensive end, and obtaining an offensive spark plug in one fell swoop.
5. The Blockbuster
Cavaliers receive: C DeAndre Jordan, SG Lou Williams, PG Patrick Beverley; Clippers receive: C Tristan Thompson, SG Iman Shumpert, C Channing Frye, 2018 Nets First Round Pick
This is the most likely trade to happen of the bunch. Cleveland would receive Jordan, 6th man of the year candidate Lou Will, and defensive guard Patrick Beverley. On the other hand, the Clips would receive Thompson (and the Kardashian curse), Shumpert, Frye and the very coveted Nets pick. That might be the asset that sways the Clippers into making this trade. Also, this would give the Cavs defense, and an offensive spark plug off the bench with the second unit.
All in all, the Cavaliers need to make a move. They are in great danger of falling too far behind in the East. They’re also in great danger of putting themselves behind the eight ball as far as home-court advantage. As the deadline approaches, watch as talks between the Cavs and teams around the league heat up.
All Trades were checked and ran through the ESPN Trade Generator: http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine
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