The Cleveland Cavaliers have assembled arguably their deepest roster in franchise history, but they might make more moves in the hope of dethroning the Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers have valuable trade assets, including the 2018 Brooklyn Nets first-round pick.
With the Cavaliers still on a win-now mentality, they are expected to entertain offers for the Brooklyn pick. In fact, Yahoo Sports reported earlier in September that the Cavs are already getting feelers for the coveted pick, which could land in the top 5 next summer.
DeMarcus Cousins, Marc Gasol among possible targets for Cavs
The Cavaliers will start Kevin Love at center in the upcoming season. However, most analysts believe that the Cavaliers need a center like DeMarcus Cousins and Marc Gasol to have a better shot against the Warriors.
According to Sir Charles In Charge, the Cavaliers might get a chance to acquire Cousins or Gasol if they are willing to trade the Brooklyn pick. Both Cousins and Gasol are a vital part of their respective teams, but the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies might decide to go into a different direction if they struggle before the trade deadline.
Trading for Gasol or Cousins will give the Cavaliers a stronger presence to protect the rim instead of settling for Love and Tristan Thompson.
However, both the Grizzlies and the Pelicans are expected to ask for more assets aside from the Brooklyn pick before parting ways with their star centers before the February 8 trade deadline.
On the flip side, trading the Nets’ 2018 first-round pick will be a huge gamble. The pick, which was acquired during the Kyrie Irving trade to the Boston Celtics, was viewed as an insurance asset for the Cavaliers in case LeBron James decides to leave Cleveland next summer.
Cleveland Cavaliers could trade Cedi Osman, Richard Jefferson
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers could also part ways with rookie Cedi Osman and veteran Richard Jefferson. Cleveland needs to clear roster space, following the arrival of Dwyane Wade.
Amico Hoops reported that rival teams have already shown interest in Osman. The Cavaliers might ask for significant picks in return, as Osman is viewed as a potential two-way player in the future.
The 22-year-old forward averaged 16.0 points and 5.0 rebounds to go along with 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals in the EuroBasket 2017 for Turkey.
And if the Cavaliers decide to keep Osman, Jefferson could be the odd man out in Cleveland. Salary cap expert Bobby Marks of ESPN pointed out that moving the 37-year-old forward will be a wise move for the Cavs. They could save $10 million in luxury taxes if they can find a take for Jefferson’s $2.5-million contract.
