After a slow start of the 2017-18 NBA season, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers have figured things out. After winning just five of their first 12 games, the Cavaliers have managed to turn it around and they are currently the second-best team in the Eastern Conference with a 22-8 record. The Cavs are still dealing with a lot of injuries to some of their key players (Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Rose) but despite all of that, they look like the team to beat in the East.

Of course, having LeBron James on the roster also helps, and their bench players have been great lately.

But in order to compete for the NBA title again this season, many believe that the Cavaliers will have to improve their defense. We will now take a look at three players the Cavaliers should try and acquire this season in order to improve their defense and their chances of winning another championship.

Danny Green from the San Antonio Spurs

Green is one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, and he has had a great deal of success with the San Antonio Spurs over the past couple of seasons. At 6-foot-6, the 30-year-old Green can guard the point guard position as well as the shooting guard position, and in some cases even the small forward spot. He is regarded as a physical and smart defender, and his contribution on the offensive end is also respectable.

This season with the Spurs, Green is averaging 9.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 36 percent from the three-point line. Green was linked to the Cavaliers in the past, but an official offer was never made. In order to get him, the Cavaliers would have to offer a package that would include their 2018 first-round draft pick plus Iman Shumpert.

Khris Middleton from the Milwaukee Bucks

Having Khris Middleton on the team would give the Cleveland Cavaliers a lot of versatility on both ends of the floor. Middleton is a 6-foot-8 small forward, with great length and solid athleticism. With his size and length, he can even guard the shooting guard position and some power forwards.

In 28 games played with the Bucks this season, the 26-year-old Middleton is averaging 20.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 36 percent from the three-point land. Middleton is a good three-point shooter and a great mid-range shooter and his presence would be big for the Cavaliers offense as well. In order to get him, the Cavs would probably have to send Tristan Thompson, their 2018 first-round draft pick, and Miami's 2018 second-round pick.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist from the Charlotte Hornets

And last but not least - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Known almost exclusively for his defense, Kidd-Gilchrist would be a great pick up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 24-year-old Gilchrist was the second overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, drafted by the Charlotte Hornets.

He is a 6-foot-7 small forward, able to guard almost every position on the court except the center position. Gilchrist is a very physical defender and a very athletic player. He is also a great rebounder, and this season he is averaging 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Hornets. Even though he is not known as a great shooter, his role with the Cavaliers wouldn't ask him to be a shooter or a scorer. The Cavaliers would, at least, have to give up Iman Shumpert and their 2018 first-round draft pick in order to get Kidd-Gilchrist.
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