If and when Cleveland probably loses this finals, they have to go in full on "keep LeBron" mode. Everyone knows LeBron would rather have a proven player than a draft pick. So I'm curious, do you think Cleveland will trade their pick? If so, who do you think they would target?
They will keep the pick and hope Trae Young falls in their laps.
They will keep the pick and hope Trae Young falls in their laps.
Here's someone I haven't seen mentioned here...
Most, if not all teams go BPA.I agree. He's going to be high on my board when I'm done putting it together. But I have a hard time seeing him go before 16. New York at 9 needs front court help. Philly at 10 needs spot up shooting not another ball handler. Charlotte at 11 really needs to hit this pick and will probably be averse to making a "risky" pick, especially if consensus "safer" prospects like Sexton or SGA are available. The Clips at 12 or 13 is a possibilty but probably unlikely if Sexton or SGA is still there, assuming that they even select a PG or combo G. Nuggets at 14 is possible but I think it's likely that they trade out. Washington at 15 needs a big.
I think his window likely opens at 16. If Phoenix takes Ayton at 1 they'll still have a need at PG. Milwaukee at 17 desperately needs rebounding, they probably go with a big. San Antonio at 18 could take him. Atlanta at 19 could take him. Minnesota at 20 is probably unlikely. I think he's likely to go somewhere from 16 to 30. I think that there's a solid chance that he's still there when we pick.
Honestly, I think Cleveland could have some fun this summer. If I was them, and before free agency, I would trade George Hill and Zizic to OKC for Carmelo. OKC probably doesn't want him anyway because they might think he gets in the way of re-signing Paul George. George Hill could help OKC not only save a little money, but he fits what they need better. Hill hasn't really impressed in Cleveland.
It's no secret that LeBron and Melo have talked about playing together for years. Getting Melo and drafting a guy like Trae might entice LeBron a little. They would still need to do more in the offseason to make him happy, but I think these are moves in the right direction (if you think Trae Young is actually going to be good).
This would all open the door for the Cavs to trade Love....
If i was the Cavs I would blow it up now and let LBJ go and make everyone on the roster (except Osman, Zizic and Nance) available for draft picks or young players (Under 25) I would blow it up and start going to asset accumulation mode.
The cavs target is Trae young. Lebron should go to Houston, he'll stay in cleveland though and attempt to win the east 9 seasons in a row.