CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 24: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio, NBA Trades: Cavaliers ultimate guide to the NBA trade deadline. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Every year, the NBA trade deadline serves as an opportunity for teams to become one of two things – sellers or buyers. In a surprise twist, the Cleveland Cavaliers should be buyers this season.
Typically, rebuilding teams (sellers) are on the market for things like draft picks and developing players in exchange for expandable assets. In contrast, competitive squads (buyers) look for that final piece to the puzzle that can help them in an upcoming playoff run.
NBA Trades: Cavaliers ultimate guide to the NBA trade deadline
Prior to the season, few expected the Cavs to be in the latter group this February. Yet, they hold a 29-19 record and are within two games of the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to shake things up at the NBA Trade Deadline. Here is your ultimate guide.
There have been a number of reasons for Cleveland’s surprise success. The two potential All-Stars, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, are obvious contributors.
But, the rise of a veteran leader in Kevin Love, a generational rookie talent in Evan Mobley, and numerous other role players have led to the Cavaliers being one of the most well-rounded teams in the NBA.
This isn’t to say they can’t get better in some key areas. The best way to do this is via the NBA trade deadline. Here is the ultimate guide to who the Cavaliers can trade and what they should be looking to gain.
Cleveland </a>Cavaliers should be buyers this season.</p>
<p>Typically, rebuilding teams (sellers) are on the market for things like draft picks and developing players in exchange for expandable assets. In contrast, competitive squads (buyers) look for that final piece to the puzzle that can help them in an upcoming playoff run.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Cavaliers ultimate guide to the NBA trade deadline</h2>
<p>Prior to the season, few expected the Cavs to be in the latter group this February. Yet, they hold a 29-19 record and are within two games of the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to shake things up at the NBA Trade Deadline. Here is your ultimate guide.</p>
<p>There have been a number of reasons for Cleveland’s surprise success. The two potential All-Stars, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, are obvious contributors.</p>
<p>But, the rise of a veteran leader in Kevin Love, a generational rookie talent in Evan Mobley, and numerous other role players have led to the Cavaliers being one of the most well-rounded teams in the NBA.</p>
<p>This isn’t to say they can’t get better in some key areas. The best way to do this is via the NBA trade deadline. Here is the ultimate guide to who the Cavaliers can trade and what they should be looking to gain.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/28/nba-trades-cavaliers-nba-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Who should be traded? </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 28: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the third quarter of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 28, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana, NBA Trades: Cavaliers ultimate guide to the NBA trade deadline. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<p>In order to receive something in the NBA, you have to give something up. Who can the Cleveland Cavaliers afford to include in a deal this February?</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade away? – Ricky Rubio</h2>
<p>As much as it pains me to say, Ricky Rubio is the most <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/28/nba-trades-cavaliers-nba-trade-deadline/"https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10023398-ricky-rubio-trade-rumors-teams-interested-in-cavaliers-pgs-expiring-contract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expendable and logical asset</a> to include in a trade.</p>
<p>The 11-year veteran was playing some of the best basketball of his career in Cleveland before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. He was a key component to their success, taking on the role of a complementary ball-handler and floor general.</p>
<p>However, his knee injury will hold him out for the remainder of the year and a solid chunk of next season. By the time he returns, he’ll be 32 years old.</p>
<p>Rubio was incredibly helpful and could have been a long-term veteran asset for this team. Now, it makes more sense for Cleveland to part ways with Rubio and get something tangible in return as soon as possible.</p>
<p>Due to Rubio’s contract ending this summer, the injured guard could be of value to teams looking for cap relief.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade away? – NBA Draft picks</h2>
<p>A good deal always needs a sweetener.</p>
<p>The Cavaliers rightfully feel they have transitioned from rebuilding to competing. This means their upcoming NBA Draft picks should be on the table.</p>
<p>With so many young assets like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen already on the roster, Cleveland should look to package a draft pick and Rubio in order to maximize their return at the NBA trade deadline.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade away? – The untouchables</h2>
<p>There are a few players on the roster who have earned the tag of “untouchable.”</p>
<p>In my eyes, these names would be Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Collin Sexton. This group has proven to be vital to Cleveland’s long-term success.</p>
<p>Anyone else, while not as expandable as the other assets listed, is fair game.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/28/nba-trades-cavaliers-nba-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Who should they trade for? </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 22: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings warms up before the start of the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on January 22, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Kings 133-127, NBA Trades: Cavaliers ultimate guide to the NBA trade deadline. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)</p>
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<p>It is time to speedrun through a few of the most notable names mentioned in rumors. These players all seem to be available and can help the Cleveland Cavaliers in different ways.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade for? – Eric Gordon</h2>
<p>The Houston Rockets have every reason to move on from one of the last remaining members of the good old days in Eric Gordon. They hold the worst record in the West and are officially in rebuild mode.</p>
<p>The streaky three-point threat is averaging 14.6 points on a blistering hot 44.5 percent clip from deep. He fits the Cavaliers’ need for secondary scoring in the backcourt and should be available for a low price.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade for? – Caris LeVert</h2>
<p>Another secondary scoring option that has gained traction in trade rumors is Caris LeVert. The shifty guard who broke out as a skilled playmaker and slasher has put himself on the Cavs’ radar.</p>
<p>LeVert is an interesting fit in Cleveland. He only shoots 33.1 percent from the three-point line but is a good enough ball-handler to create shots for himself in the mid-range and in the paint (where he finishes 67.9 percent of his attempts).</p>
<p>The Cavs could use LeVert’s assistance in the backcourt while Collin Sexton is out. Plus, it’s possible he acts as a serviceable floor general on the bench moving forward.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade for? – Robert Covington</h2>
<p>A veteran 3&D wing is about as good as it could get for the Cavaliers. They’ve had notable contributions from players like Dean Wade and Cedi Osman, but would be more comfortable with a proven asset like Robert Covington stepping in to help.</p>
<p>Covington has made a career off catch-and-shoot threes while providing sturdy defense on the perimeter. He fits their needs and can be acquired at the NBA trade deadline for a reasonable price.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade for? – Dennis Schroder</h2>
<p>A former contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award, Dennis Schroder’s career has taken a turn since flaming out in the playoffs for the Los Angeles Lakers. His stock is at an all-time low despite being a valuable two-way player when engaged.</p>
<p>Schroder would join a winning culture in Cleveland and act as a backup guard to Darius Garland. His playmaking chops and ability to harass opposing ball-handlers would take a mountain of pressure off of DG’s shoulders each night.</p>
<h2>NBA Trades: Who should the Cavaliers trade for? – Harrison Barnes</h2>
<p>There is not a more perfect player for the Cavaliers to target. Harrison Barnes excels at being a complimentary offensive piece with reliable shot creation and catch-and-shoot capabilities.</p>
<p>His length and size on defense allow him to defend multiple positions and cover the perimeter like a true wing.</p>
<p>Barnes is an obvious fit in Cleveland but it is uncertain if the Sacramento Kings, who are in the midst of a disastrous rebuild, are interested in moving their veteran forward.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/28/nba-trades-cavaliers-nba-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The bottom line </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 24: Isaac Okoro #35 and Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watch a free throw from the backcourt during the second half against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 95-93, Who should the Cavaliers trade for?: . NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: The bottom line for the Cavaliers at the trade deadline</h2>
<p>The Cleveland Cavaliers should not be feeling much pressure to make any major changes at the NBA trade deadline.</p>
<p>After all, this is year one of being competitive. It makes no sense to shake things up when the future is already bright.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, it would be a failure for the front office to <em>not </em>capitalize on the potential targets in front of them. Koby Altman has an impressive resume as a GM, notably securing Jarrett Allen for scraps in 2021.</p>
<p>The short-term goal should be finding another reliable shot-creator to pair with Garland. It is hard to see the team succeeding in the playoffs without another scoring threat in the backcourt.</p>
<p>However, assuming Collin Sexton returns this summer, the need for another dynamic scoring guard is diminished in the long term.</p>
<p>Keeping the big picture in mind is important. Cleveland has an excellent mix of developing talent and veteran leaders. Filling in perhaps their biggest gap at the moment (the wing position) is something that would benefit them the most moving forward.</p>
<p>This means I favor the Cavaliers going after names like Harrison Barnes and Robert Covington over the collection of guards they can target. Still, the Cavs can use some help in multiple areas. Whatever decision Koby makes, I trust it wll be a beneficial one.</p>
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