CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have been surprisingly busy heading into the trade deadline. They have entered surprise trade talks with the Clippers for James Harden. Now, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Cavaliers have contacted Milwaukee and Dallas for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis.
Cavaliers Make Bold Moves For Giannis Antetokounmpo And Anthony Davis
A Flurry of Cap Maneuvers
The Cavaliers began this spree by completing a trade with Sacramento. They acquired veteran point guard Dennis Schröder and young guard Keon Ellis. They sent out former lottery pick De’Andre Hunter. The move cleared $7 million in salary cap space for this season. It also created a traded player exception of the same value. The Cavaliers can use it immediately.
The Cavs are the league’s biggest spender. They stand as the only team in the second apron. After the Hunter trade, they now sit $15 million into that restrictive apron. The Cavaliers must still
Pmake multiple separate single-player trades. The second apron penalties force that approach. They need to move underperforming contracts. They must also get under the apron. The Cavaliers did the right thing by clearing Hunter’s contract via trade.
Lonzo Ball could unite with his brother in Charlotte next. A Dean Wade or Max Strus trade could follow. Those moves would allow the Cavaliers to keep their big four. They could then chase Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis. Going under the second apron would also unfreeze their 2032 first-round pick.
Chasing Giannis and Davis
Giannis remains a top-four player in the world. He would command a massive return. It remains unclear if Cleveland’s offer can top others in the bidding war. The Cavaliers are also in talks with Los Angeles for a Harden–Darius Garland swap.
Antetokounmpo can sign a four-year, $275 million extension in October. To qualify, he must be traded by the deadline. He must spend six months with his new team to gain eligibility.
In their pursuit of Anthony Davis, the Cavaliers have not declared any core player untouchable. Davis is out with a torn ligament in his left hand. The team will evaluate him in late February. He will be eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension in August. The Chicago native averages 20 points, 11 rebounds, about three assists, one steal, and about two blocks per game. He has appeared in just 20 games this season.
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