King James Gospel
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CJ McCollum should be the Cleveland Cavaliers priority target

By Nathan Beighle

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 21: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of Game Four of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on April 21, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 21: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of Game Four of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs at the Smoothie King Center on April 21, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 24: Damian Lillard #0 and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers talk before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 24: Damian Lillard #0 and CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers talk before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 24, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The ideal trade for both teams

Cavaliers receive CJ McCollum.

Blazers receive Jordan Clarkson, JR Smith, and the No. 8 overall pick. 

Why would the Portland Trail Blazers do this?

For the Blazers, they rid themselves of McCollum’s contract, which lasts until 2020-2021. In return, they get two contracts that end after the 2019-2020 season. Following the 2019-2020 season, the Blazers will be clearing about $80 million off their books.

Along with a potential star in the No. 8 pick, the Blazers might not care much for Smith or Clarkson, but the pick and the alignment of their contract might be enough to appease Lillard into staying until they can get him the superstar help he deserves.

Just like the Wizards and Raptors, this team will need more than a dynamic backcourt to win a championship, and this deal allows them to partially restart while setting their future up perfectly.

Why would the Cleveland Cavaliers do this?

The reason the Cleveland Cavaliers make any trade is quite simple.

They need to show LeBron James they’re able to make moves in order to give the talents he needs win a championship. On top of that, McCollum, being from Canton, Ohio, might re-sign in Cleveland; therefore, keeping Cleveland relevant after the LeBron-era ends.

If the Cavaliers front office does nothing, Gilbert might see the franchise drop $300 million in value. If they won’t want that to happen, make this deal, get James the help, and continue being a force in the East.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 30 all-time greatest players

On paper, it’s that simple.