Report: Cavs Could Trade Up For R.J. Barrett With Knicks

Though the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the No. 5 draft spot in the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, it doesn’t mean they’ll stay there.

According to a Sunday report, the Cavs are reportedly making their interest in Duke University star R.J. Barrett known as the New York Knicks are exploring trading back from their current No. 3 overall pick.

It is currently assumed that Barrett will be available at the third pick, as the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to draft Zion Williamson with the first pick, and the Memphis Grizzlies seem to be zeroing in on Ja Morant with the second.

As J.R. Smith’s contract, it could play a pivotal role in a potential deal thanks to the fact that his expiring contract is quite attractive to teams that are looking to shed money in order to become major players in the free-agency market.

It is unclear if a trade including Smith and the Cavs’ No. 5 overall pick would be enough to move up two spots in the draft, but there are other assets that they could utilize if they felt a deal could get done.

Whatever happens, it is very clear that the Cavs are serious about improving their roster through the draft. Whether that means trading up or simply picking the best player available at their current pick remains to be seen.

There is little doubt that if the Cavs were able to move up to the No. 3 pick, they would get the chance to draft a player with undeniable star potential who could make a strong impact on day one of his NBA career.