Five Trade Possibilities Cavaliers Should Be Considering With Brooklyn Pick

Published by

Brad Sullivan

9 years ago

Now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have settled the Kyrie Irving situation, the strategy to make sure that LeBron James finishes his NBA career in a Cavaliers uniform can officially commence. The talent they acquired from the Boston Celtics include a pair of known quantities in Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder, one uncertain quantity in Ante Zizic and two completely unknown quantities in Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round draft pick and a 2020 second-round pick.

It’s that first-round pick that may end up playing a role in keeping James in Cleveland, primarily because the value it brings could be immense. That’s due to the strong likelihood that it will be among the top selections, if not the first pick in what will be a very strong draft class.

James’ window for winning more titles is getting shorter with each passing year, which means that player development isn’t really a major priority. So dealing away that high draft pick for quality talent that can help now isn’t out of the question and is something that the Cavs have done before.

So in wielding this potent bargaining chip, the question then becomes which veteran player the Cavs can acquire that will offer James a compelling reason to stay beyond the upcoming season. Listed below are five possible trade options.

5. Kevin Love and First-Round Pick for Anthony Davis

Even with a talent like Davis, the New Orleans Pelicans have struggled and show no signs of challenging the Golden State Warriors any time soon. Using their best player to potentially get one of the multiple big men that are expected to be part of next year’s draft could get their rebuilding going.

Of course, for the Cavaliers to take on Davis’ $76 million that’s owed over the next three seasons, they’d have to shed major payroll. That likely means trading away Love, who can give the Pelicans a player who averages a double-double and is signed for at least the next two seasons.

Next: Iman Shumpert and First-Round Pick for Kristaps Porzingis

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Brad Sullivan

Brad Sullivan is a lead writer for Cavaliers Nation. He has spent much of life in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and has remained a Cavalier fan from their 1970 beginnings through the return of LeBron James. While that fandom was sorely tested during the Reign of Error known simply by one word, Stepien, that overall historical perspective will be part of his writing for Cavaliers Nation in the months ahead.