What Do The Cavaliers Need?
While Strus’ return will be beneficial for the Cavaliers, their top priority over the next few days is to acquire a two-way wing. Specifically, the Cavs need a big player who can defend elite wings, hit open threes, and be a connector on offense. The Cavs could also use another physical frontcourt piece who rebounds.
Two questions as the NBA deadline approaches: who can help the Cavs defeat Detroit/New York/ Boston? And who can they acquire to close out games without being a defensive liability?
A Couple of Potential Trades
Yesterday, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that the Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers have discussed a trade involving De’Andre Hunter, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht. Since the Cavs and Lakers both have constraints in any trade, they will need to bring in a third team.
“We all know the complications for the Cavs when it comes to trades,” Fedor said on the Hey Chris Podcast. “They can’t aggregate salaries. They only have really one first-round draft pick they can trade, and they have to be right on the number in terms of salary matching. But my sources tell me that the Cavs and the Lakers have discussed a general framework surrounding De’Andre Hunter, Rui Hachimura, and Dalton Knecht, and then bringing in a third team.”
“Now look, there are there are third teams that could be helpful. Brooklyn has the lowest salary number of any team in the NBA,” Fedor continued. “They might be a destination that is willing to take some salary. Um, the Utah Jazz, they are 29th in salary in the NBA.”
