1. Iman Shumpert, Channing Frye and First-Round Pick for DeMarcus Cousins
The 6-foot-11 center will be an unrestricted free agent next July. In order to make sure that they don’t end up giving away a lottery ticket for a player who will end up bolting after the season, the Cavs would undoubtedly try to establish the framework of an extension before the 2018 free-agency period begins. The original deal would presumably satisfy salary-cap concerns, which would then allow the Cavs to offer Cousins a max deal in free agency.
Cousins would give the Cavs a player who’s averaged a double-double over the course of his entire seven-year career. He does have a reputation for being a volatile head case, yet James was able to reconfigure J.R. Smith‘s then-flailing career and knows very well about the talent possessed by the 27-year-old Cousins.
The Bottom Line
All of the above possibilities are mere conjecture. The Cavaliers might simply end up keeping the pick if James offers no clear indication that he plans on staying, but if they are thriving near the trade deadline or before, they may be inclined to push for one these trades.
Only James has any idea of what’s going to take place next July and he’s not saying anything. However, if the team’s front office wants him to close out his career in Wine and Gold, one of the above possibilities might be necessary.
