David Griffin To Try To Trade

There are two weak links of the Cleveland Cavaliers who’ll be on a new team soon, in my opinion.

Less than a week ago, Danny Ainge met with Kevin Love’s agent to determine whether the proposed trade before last year’s trade deadline could be revisited. Then, Griffin was working the lines for a first round pick. Kevin Love isn’t going to be traded for picks, so what rotation player has enough value to be an asset to a team. He doesn’t necessarily bring this team to the pinnacle it’s trying to reach, but Iman Shumpert is very valuable.

A few teams with multiple first round picks could use his help, but figuring out a team is too much guesswork. Who, and what, might the team be looking for in the short-term? If Matthew Dellavedova is a free agent, JR Smith should be coming back but isn’t going to bring a new dynamic to the team anytime soon, Iman Shumpert is being traded, and Richard Jefferson is retiring then I would say the backcourt.

Who can help replace the intelligence, defense, athleticism, or shooting stroke they lost? What players might be available for them Thursday? Malcolm Brogdon, Sheldon McClellan, and Caris Levert. Brogdon’s lack of athleticism and potential may be exposed in the NBA, LeVert may be too raw right now to warrant a first-round pick for a championship-contending team.

Out of the three, I would go with 23-year old McClellan who may have the highest basketball IQ out of all of them. He also is a tremendous athlete who has mastered his shot from deep. He’s an impressive defender as well.

As for Kevin Love, I believe that trade is cemented after his Finals performance as a whole, Ainge meeting with his agent after already having a proposed trade in February, and Phil Jackson being less than completely pro-Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks trying to retool whole Anthony wants to win immediately. Carmelo Anthony will be in Cleveland next year.

Don’t be surprised by a potential Dwyane Wade signing for an on-the-cheap, I-want-to-play-with-my-friend deal and for him another current free agent shooting guard to be discussed as an option for the Cavs again, Jamal Crawford.

Theoretically, I can see the Philadelphia 76ers trading their 26th overall pick and Carl Landry for Iman Shumpert who will provide them with another essential piece of their backcourt or asset to package with Okafor for another high-first round pick.

Point Guards

Kyrie Irving, Mo Williams, Jordan McCrae

These point guards are all able to score at a high level. Irving, the starter, is an Allen Iverson like talent with a mystic-like personality that matches his play. Let’s never forget The Shot, nor that Irving should be in conversation for the best point guard in the league now that his legs are back under him. Williams, the veteran backup, is able to put up points well and is more in the scoring mold too having played shooting guard in his career. McCrae, in his second year, will look to get an opportunity to play regularly in the future, as his scoring and length on defense make him an intriguing prospect.

Shooting Guards

Dwyane Wade, Jamal Crawford, Sheldon McClellan

Wade is either going to be Father Prime or fall victim to Father Time. Either way, his intelligence and defense are necessary. As are his playmaking ability and chemistry with LeBron that should lead to more easy buckets for the King. Crawford finally gets his chance to play for the Cavs. He’s an all-around playmaker and though he’ll have to improve defensively he can score from the bench in bunches. For the Cavaliers, that would be extremely helpful. McClellan, the rookie, is an intelligent and athletic 3&D wing coached by Jim Larranaga at the University of Miami. Their surge in the rankings this year was mostly due to his play. He might be the third shooting guard listed on a deep team but he’s very important if you’re looking dynasty.

Small Forwards

LeBron James, JR Smith, James Jones

LeBron James is clearly still the greatest basketball talent left on earth. Instead of looking at it as LeBron James isn’t as good as Jordan, though he’s arguably even more valuable, you could simply realize we’re saying the only player we’ve probably seen better is a guy most people consider the greatest to ever play. He’s the head of the snake and the fulcrum of the Cavs while also being the statistical leader in every major category probably. JR Smith now has an opportunity to earn some hardware as he’ll be a serious contender for Sixth Man of the Year. His shooting and defense is invaluable as are his starting experience. Wade won’t be in Cleveland for long, just long enough to play with LeBron one more time to get their fourth and possibly fifth rings together. I’d even say there’s even a chance Wade comes off the bench instead of JR eventually so JR signing a long-term deal isn’t out of the question. I would give him the Shumpert contract because basically, that’s whose spot in the dynasty he definitely took since he’s arrived. James Jones, the consummate pro, is ever ready to contribute in all facets of the game though is real value lies in his shooting and basketball IQ.

Power Forwards

Carmelo Anthony, Channing Frye, Carl Landry

All of these power forwards can stretch the floor. Melo, is the elite scorer of the bunch. Frye, the best three-point shooter, who will likely have to play center. This would be Melo’s chance to get a ring and his play will be important. He has to be able to score from both in the post and on the perimeter, and he’ll be held accountable on the boards, on defense, and for the number of bad shots he takes. Frye will be more acclimated and therefore more important Cleveland next year. Landry returns and can likely guard some small forwards in the division but is a stretch four that should focus on being a leader in the locker room.

Centers

Tristan Thompson, Chris Andersen, Sasha Kaun

Thompson should be the incumbents starter for as long as LeBron is playing, to me, and beyond, whether as a power forward or center. What he brings with his hustle, heart, mind, and especially defense and second-chance point from rebounds, are immensely valuable and can’t be replaced easily. Birdman is a better shot-blocker and shooter and though the latter skill is new he was always key in Miami’s championship runs. He’s the enforcer that Cleveland Cavaliers will need next year as they look to defend their title. Kaun is the only true center and will have every opportunity to be a bruiser should the Cavs need one.

Yes, I have Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Andersen, Jamal Crawford, Carl Landry, and Sheldon McClellan replacing Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert, Richard Jefferson, Matthew Dellavedova, Timofey Mozgov, and Dahntay Jones.

What do you think is possible?