Cleveland Cavaliers: A trade for Paul George would make Tristan Thompson relevant again
The Cleveland Cavaliers have kept one of their most forceful and loyal player, Tristan Thompson, on their bench. Acquiring Paul George could unleash him.
This season is unlike any other of LeBron James’ second tenure in Cleveland. In past seasons, The Cleveland Cavaliers needed just one role player to ultimately compete with the Golden State Warriors, trading for Channing Frye in 2016 and Kyle Korver in 2017. This season, they are one superstar away from competing, even if Isaiah Thomas comes back better than ever.
One key reason is their defense. The Cavaliers started the season with one of the worst defensive ratings in NBA history and still have a subpar 107.6. Bringing back Isaiah Thomas might actually hurt them defensively. But, he would create a dominant offensive lineup.
Another reason Paul George might be a good choice is actually because of Kevin Love. Kevin Love, the star most likely traded away, disappears against the Warriors, averaged just 16.0 points per game in the 2017 NBA Finals, following his best season in Cleveland where he averaged 19.0 points per game. While LeBron James can singlehandedly dominate the Eastern Conference, it’s a much different story against Western Conference teams.
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That said, the Cleveland Cavaliers do have one of the league’s best benches, and they have thrived without Tristan Thompson healthy. That’s also a huge change from past seasons, which is another reason the Cavaliers do not need to trade for a role player.
With the Cavaliers surging right now, Tristan Thompson coming back from his calf strain might be an afterthought on their second unit. Thompson is averaging career-lows in points (4.4) and rebounds (6.4) per game. Thompson has always thrived on the defensive end; meanwhile, his only offensive capabilities are lobs thrown by LeBron James. With the return of IT, offensive firepower will the least of the problems in Cleveland.
TT was benched just five games into the season, and with Love making a suitable center, he might not ever regain his starting role; therefore, he might never return to relevance as long as Kevin Love is the starting center in Cleveland.
Here’s the imaginary trade that could come to fruition if the situation in Oklahoma City continues its downhill trend.
The Cavaliers’ new starting lineup of Isaiah Thomas, JR Smith, Paul George, LeBron James, and Tristan Thompson has defense, offense, athleticism, and shooting. Then, their remodeled second unit would include a combination of Dwyane Wade, Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, Jeff Green, Channing Frye, and Derrick Rose
This is the roster that the Cavaliers need to obtain. Right now, with an array of injuries and LeBron James basically carrying the team to victories, there is no way their success, winning 14 of their last 15, can be sustained against the league’s top teams.
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Tristan Thompson will not be relevant until he becomes a starter again. Although an array of superstars could be available, trading for Paul George would help the Cavaliers in several ways, including allowing TT to take back his starting role and return to relevance.