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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 early season targets to keep an eye on

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Wesley Matthews
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Wesley Matthews /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – NOVEMBER 12: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on November 12, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – NOVEMBER 12: James Johnson #16 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on November 12, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Target #1: James Johnson — the Heat’s do-it-all man

James Johnson is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. From guarding multiple positions to being able to do just about everything offensively, Johnson has been underrated and undervalued his entire career. He did, however, just sign a phenomenal 4-year/$60 million contract this past offseason.

Here’s a short clip showing how versatile Johnson can be when driving to the bucket.

The Heat love Johnson, but being at the bottom of the Eastern might make Johnson an acceptable trade target. The Heat have started the season 6-8 and might be on a downward spiral after dropping their last two straight games. Needless to say, the Miami Heat are not contenders quite yet.

While they have all the pieces they need to succeed, the Heat’s best option to eventually win a championship might be to blow it up. It’s a long-shot, but if this season takes a swift turn for the worst in Miami, Johnson might be on the block.

Johnson is a great defender and averaged a career-high 12.8 points per game last season. The season is young, and hopefully, as the season continues, Miami will realize it’s time to start making moves for the future. Would a first-round pick be enough the swingman from Wake Forest?

Must Read: Cleveland Cavaliers: Summarizing all their issues in one word

The Cleveland Cavaliers are sitting at 8-7, and while there is still ground to gain, they have won their last three games and will again be a hot spot for trade targets come February.