Cavs Trade Options: Mo Williams Deal
The Cleveland Cavaliers have very little left that they can trade to acquire more talent. We presented to you a LA Lakers trade that we think very highly of (New Window) but many are stuck on the need for a backup point guard. We can see some of the thoughts as to why and present to you our thoughts on the Mo Williams Cavs trade.
Reasons Cavs Make the Deal
The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have a backup point guard who can score with the second unit. Mo Williams can provide great scoring off the bench, something Matthew Dellavedova is gifted at. Williams has a history with LeBron James and the Cavs, can knock down open 3 pointers (38% for his career) and will have a chip on his shoulder after struggling in the playoffs the last time with the Cavs.
Reasons Cavs Wouldn’t Make the Deal
Williams struggled mightily both on defense and in the pressure of the playoffs in his last stint with the Cavs. With age his defense has gotten worse. There is hope that he could overcome his past playoff issues but returning to the Cavs could put more pressure on him. The Cavs also would be spending their last two trade chips (Haywood, 2nd round pick) on a player who wouldn’t get many minutes.
Finding the second player to make the deal work is also difficult. James Jones is a friend of LeBron, Dellavedova provides gritty defense and an improved jumper in the backcourt and Joe Harris is a young shooter that the team will need for years to come.
Reasons Timberwolves Make the Deal
The T-Wolves are not going anywhere and having Mo Williams on their team is not going to change that one bit. Williams takes time on the court that will go to younger players as they learn to develop. Getting Brendan Haywood‘s unique contract, non-guaranteed next year for over $10 million, could give them a chance to add talent for free next year via trades. The 2nd round pick has some unique protections but is another asset while Jones would be bought out.
Reasons Timberwolves Wouldn’t Make the Deal
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The T-Wolves could believe they could get something better for Williams or could decide to hold on to him to give a veteran presence that they currently are missing. The 2nd round pick doesn’t provide a ton of value and they are not certain to acquire anyone with Haywood’s deal in the off-season.
Should the Deal Happen?
For the Cleveland Cavaliers this is a deal they can make right at the NBA Trade Deadline. They do not need to rush it and may decide to move forward without making a deal. Williams, for all his offensive help, could hurt them defensively. Worst case scenario for the Cavs is that they just cut Haywood next season.
They can then fill their empty roster spot by signing any one of the free agents that have been linked to them: Ray Allen, Jordan Farmer or Samuel Dalembert. The two for one deal would still allow them to sign one of these players, likely Dalembert or another center type, as well.
Chances the Deal Happens
<60%
What do you think about a Mo Williams trade to the Cavaliers?