4. Robin Lopez
One final move that could make sense for the Cavs is to trade for Chicago Bulls veteran big man Robin Lopez. While Lopez is a productive member of his current team, averaging 13.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, he doesn’t really fit into the Bulls’ current status as a rebuilding franchise.
When the Bulls traded All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in return for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and rookie Lauri Markkanen, it was clear that the Bulls were looking to the future. With the Bulls looking to get younger and Lopez likely wanting to play for a contender as he begins to enter the twilight of his career, a move is not out of the question. The Cavs may have the assets necessary to convince the Bulls to send Lopez to Cleveland. If the Cavs were to part ways with one of their draft picks and shed Iman Shumpert‘s contract, the trade could work. The Cavs could even throw in European prospect Ante Zizic to sweeten the deal for the Bulls.
Lopez won’t bring the same kind of athleticism or potential that the other names on the list employ, but he is a solid two-way big man and could help the Cavs immensely while Thompson recovers from his injury and beyond.
