Cleveland Cavaliers improved their roster by trading Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics. Not only did they get Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder, who are amazing players, but they also got a valuable draft pick which will help them stay competitive in the future. Cleveland is still the best team in the East and they will most likely make the NBA Finals next year again, but they may not win a championship, which is their only goal.
Since their draft pick is very valuable, the Cavaliers could easily trade it to another team. There have been numerous rumors regarding this, and at one point, it seemed they were ready to pull the trigger on a draft pick trade.
However, it seems they will keep it for themselves, after all.
Cavs GM wants to use the pick
The Cavaliers' draft pick has been the subject of many rumors, and some people even reported that Cleveland could trade the pick for DeMarcus Cousins. New Orleans Pelicans just acquired Cousins last season and they are certainly not interested in parting ways with him, especially since he performs well with Anthony Davis.
While there is no doubt that Cousins would help the Cavaliers tremendously, the team will most likely keep the draft pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman recently spoke to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops, saying the Cavaliers' intention is to keep the draft pick and use it. “When we acquired it, we had every intention of keeping it and using it,” Altman said.
“But I also think we have a responsibility to see to what’s out there. I think there will be tremendous interest. We have a responsibility to listen to calls.” Altman made it clear that, despite their intention to keep and use the pick, the Cavaliers will be listening to calls from the teams that are interested in trading for the pick.
The pick is valuable
Trading for a star player would benefit the Cleveland Cavaliers and help them beat the Golden State Warriors. However, keeping the draft pick would help them in the long run.
LeBron James will most likely opt out of his contract next summer, especially if the Cavaliers don't win a championship. Considering that the pick comes from the Brooklyn Nets, it will most likely be a lottery pick and it should help the Cavaliers rebuild.
Cleveland should not rely on LeBron and his free-agency decision, so keeping the draft pick is definitely a smart decision. After all, they have no guarantee that they'd beat the Warriors in the NBA Finals, even if they had another superstar.
