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What if the Cavaliers do not make the Finals?

By Duane Rohrbacher

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cavs Could Start the Banana Boat Crew

As a natural follow-up to the second prediction, the Cavaliers would likely look to ease Lebron’s burden by signing one of his buddies.

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Dwayne Wade can opt out of his contract and take a LeBron discount. Chris Paul is a free agent. Carmelo Anthony is reportedly on the trading block. Chris Bosh will be looking for a new home as he tries to revive his NBA career. With so much up in the air this summer, and with LeBron thirsty for a fourth ring, the Cavs would look at one or more of these players to appease LeBron.

My guess would be that the Cavs take a stab at signing Wade, and that they trade for Anthony. Love for Anthony is a natural trade, but do not be surprised if the Cavs dangle Tristan Thompson’s contract this summer. Thompson has not been very effective in the playoffs, and he makes a lot of money. Do not be shocked if the Cavs try to trade Smith/Thompson for Anthony.

The Cavaliers could sign Wade at a discount and trade for Anthony, and have a crazy lineup of Irving, Wade, LeBron, Anthony, and Love with Korver, Deron Williams, Channing Frye, and Iman Shumpert coming off the bench. If the Warriors resign everyone, this is even more likely a scenario.