The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in the spotlight recently, and it seems like there's more to come regarding the Cavaliers. The 2017/2018 season begins on October 17, 2017, but the Cavs seem to be looking to make more moves and roster changes. They've already made some dramatic alterations as they traded their All-Star point guard, Kyrie Irving, to the Boston Celtics.
The trade was inevitable since Irving requested in July to be traded from Cleveland, and the Cavaliers decided to grant his wish by sending him to Boston. Many feel that this was a win-win situation for both teams since the Cavs and the Celtics got exactly what they wanted.
The Cavaliers received several good pieces in this deal, including Isaiah Thomas who averaged 28.9 points per game last season, and Brooklyn's 2018 first-round draft pick.
What's Cleveland's next move?
Many believe that even though the Cavs added some quality players this offseason, they are still not good enough to beat the Golden State Warriors in a potential Finals rematch next season.
The Cavaliers seem to feel the same way since there are many reports and rumors about Cleveland looking to sign Dwyane Wade or Carmelo Anthony in the coming period. Other than Wade and Anthony, there are other All-Star-caliber players that have been linked to the Cavaliers, including DeMarcus Cousins.
But the main question in Cleveland over the past few days has been: What to do with the 2018 first-round draft pick?
It will likely be a top-5, and maybe even a top-3 pick next year, depending on the Brooklyn Nets' record for the 2017/2018 season. While there are those who think the Cavs should use this asset and trade it in order to get a marquee player in return, there are others who feel that there's no way Cleveland will trade this pick.
Cavs preparing for LeBron's potential departure
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski thinks that, considering the circumstances, the Cavaliers have no intentions on trading Brooklyn's 2018 first-round pick.
"It is not happening. That is not why they traded for that pick,” said Wojnarowski on the latest episode of his podcast called "The Woj Pod."
He also added: "They’re not doing that.
That’s not the plan in Cleveland. They’re not going to let themselves be in the position of having to take years to untangle that roster. They’re holding on to that pick.”
Obviously, this has a lot to do with LeBron James' potential departure in 2018 since the Cavaliers are not certain whether or not he will be a Cavalier after the next season.
LeBron has one year left on his current contract with the Cavs, and he is yet to clarify what he intends to do next offseason.
