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

Paul George

Even with teammate Russell Westbrook shooting over 21 shots per game, George still thrived on the offensive end, averaging 21.9 points per game. Although down from his last two seasons, George proved that playing alongside another superstar doesn’t phase his production.

Offensively, George can do it all. Averaging a career-high 3.1 threes per game, George shot over 40% from down for the second time in his career. Along with just 2.7 turnovers per game, George seemed like a misfit in OKC, but his numbers never really took a hit.

While being a top-tier offense player, George is also an elite defender. George has made an NBA all-defensive team three times throughout his career. His defensive competence should help boost the Cavaliers defensive rating, a rating that ranked No. 29 in the NBA last season.

OKC should know the writing is on the wall. George will leave OKC if they can’t find success this season, but in OKC’s defense, if George doesn’t find success in Cleveland, he’ll most likely also leave after Year 1.

If the Cavaliers trade for George, they’ll only retain him if they reign, not over just the Eastern Conference, but the entire NBA.