Cleveland Cavaliers had an interesting and a surprising offseason. Even though things haven't gone exactly well for them as they lost their second-best player, Kyrie Irving, they still managed to strengthen the roster and stay competitive. The Cavaliers got a lot in exchange for Irving, and maybe the most valuable trade asset they received is the 2018 first-round pick.
The biggest of their offseason has been moving Kyrie Irving to Boston. However, it seems that the Cavaliers aren't done making moves yet, and they might pull another big trade before the season starts.
Cleveland is shopping the first-round pick from the Irving trade around the league. If they find a trade partner, there is a good chance they end up trading the pick and another player for a superstar.
Cavaliers are trading the first-round pick
Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers have fielded numerous calls regarding their first-round pick next year. There is no doubt that a lot of NBA teams are interested in this draft pick as it could end up being one of the top 3 picks. However, it is up to the Cavaliers to decide whether they are better off trading it now or saving it for the future.
Considering that LeBron James and the Cavaliers want to win it all and beat the Golden State Warriors once again, it won't be surprising if they decide to trade the pick.
However, it is unlikely that they'd give up the pick for a mediocre player. If Cleveland does trade the pick, it will probably be in a big trade that will land them a superstar which will help them win a championship next year.
There is a lot of uncertainty regarding LeBron James and his future with the team. If he decides to leave the Cavaliers next year, they will be better off keeping the pick and trading a young player.
Considering that the pick was originally owned by the Brooklyn Nets, it will very likely be a lottery pick and it might even be one of the top 5 picks.
DeMarcus Cousins to the Cleveland Cavaliers?
There have been a lot of rumors regarding DeMarcus Cousins and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Just recently, it was reported that the New Orleans Pelicans are interested in Iman Shumpert, who is on a trading block.
While Shumpert-for-Cousins trade wouldn't go through because of the difference in their salaries, the Cavaliers could add their 2018 first-round pick and another player to complete the trade. Cousins is relatively cheap as he will be paid less than $18.1 million next year. Considering this, Cleveland could not only get one of the best players in the league, but they could also decrease their luxury tax bill.
