With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, fans are getting anxious to see their teams’ moves. For the Cleveland fans, here are some possible Cavalier trade deadline targets.
Starting off with a former Cavalier, Andre Drummond could help this current Cleveland team. Averaging 7.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and half an assist this season, his role would be drastically different from the last time he donned the wine and gold. Rather than anchoring the team, he would be playing behind both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. This would make for an incredibly tough team to both drive and rebound against, and the addition would certainly help in the short term as Tristan Thompson is currently suspended. An example of a valid trade would be Drummond and Julian Phillips to Cleveland for Dean Wade.
Currently averaging 21.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists on a 46.1 percent field goal percentage, Portland forward Jerami Grant could be a solid addition to this team. Due to the size of his contract, his age relative to the team’s goals and the fact that he was acquired to build around Damian Lillard, it’s likely that the Blazers are willing to move Grant. Because of his large contract, though, Cleveland would have to give up a sizable chunk of players for him. An example of a valid trade would be Grant to the Cavs for Caris LeVert, Damian Jones and Wade.
Another postman who could help the Cavs, Dwight Powell is currently averaging 4.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Although not flashy, he’s been a steady contributor for the Mavericks since the 2014-15 season. He plays hard, and has played 70 or more games in over half his seasons in Dallas so should also be reliable. An example of a valid trade would be Powell to Cleveland for Wade.
While this is by far the most unlikely of these trade targets to be acquired, there are still ways for it to happen. Mikal Bridges is averaging 21.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season and has been a sensation for Brooklyn. Bridges has also shown he can be an extremely effective defender, and playing in Cleveland would only amplify that.
Ben Simmons would be the more defensive acquisition, though, as he’s a former season steal leader and two-time NBA All-Defensive first-team member. The biggest criticisms against him are that he doesn’t shoot from deep, and he can’t stay healthy. Although the health concerns are very valid, this Cleveland team has shown it can manage injuries well. This team also has scoring from every angle, so his playmaking could be more effective than anywhere else he’s played. This season he’s averaging 6.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and seven assists. An example of a valid trade would be Bridges and Simmons to Cleveland for LeVert, Wade, and Darius Garland. Parting with Garland would be extremely tough, but Mitchell has proven he can play the one spot just as effectively as he can the two. This theoretical starting lineup would include Mitchell, Bridges, Simmons, Mobley and Allen. Big moves involve broken eggs.
While there are several guys this Cleveland squad could add to improve, they also have a team that’s been playing the best basketball in Cleveland since LeBron left. They’re one of the best defensive teams in the league, have arguably the best bench in the league and have a starting lineup with an all-star, two former all stars and a former NBA All-Defensive First Team member. This team is young, they have great chemistry, and there are no immediate threats of any big pieces leaving. It’s very likely the Cleveland Cavaliers enter and exit the trade deadline with the same roster.
The trade deadline is this Thursday (February 8).
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