King James Gospel
Fansided

7 players the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade the No. 8 pick for

By Nathan Beighle

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: LeBron James
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: LeBron James /
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SAN ANTONIO,TX – MARCH 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers at the end of the game at AT&T Center on March 1, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX – MARCH 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs hugs Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers at the end of the game at AT&T Center on March 1, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

If the Cleveland Cavaliers plan to keep LeBron James, they must build a contending team. The only way they do that is by trading the No. 8 pick for a star.

After being swept in the NBA Finals following one of the most outstanding seasons in his 15-year career, LeBron James is ready and prepared to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time. But, if the Cavaliers don’t improve, you really can’t blame the Northeast Ohio-raised superstar for leaving a team that refuses to give him proper help.

The King averaged 27.5 points per game this season, his most in almost a decade. In addition to scoring at an elite level, James showcased his full array of weapons as he also averaged 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds.

Along with a 51-point game against the Warriors in the NBA Finals, there really wasn’t much else the King could do. His team failed him, and no one would blame him if he left.

However, it’s assumed that he’ll give the Cavaliers a fair chance to improve their team before officially committing elsewhere. The Cavs front office dropped the ball at the trade deadline, albeit many praised general manager Koby Altman for his pre-trade-deadline moves.

It’s time for Cleveland to make a splash. They need to make the NBA waters ripple in fear yet again.

This past season, teams didn’t seem to fear Cleveland like they did in prior seasons, but by trading for one of these players, they should be able to restore that fear and at least reign in the Eastern Conference.