King James Gospel
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Cleveland Cavaliers: A plausible path for the Cavs to keep LeBron

By Rithvik Bhongiri

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 20: Jordan Clarkson
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 20: Jordan Clarkson /

Step 4: Add solid role players (via trade or free agency)

You can have as many stars as you want, but in the end, it’s wasted if you don’t have great role players. The Cavaliers should now be looking to get just that.

Complimentary pieces to use alongside James, George and Butler will be the difference.

In the end, it’s not just the stars, its the role players that help you win. With being said let’s look at a couple scenarios.

Cavs trade Clarkson for Patrick Beverley: This is a great start for the Cavs as getting a player like Beverley would allow the Cavs to create defensive matchups that could lock down opposing teams. A backcourt of Butler and Beverley would be lethal.

Not to mention if we rewind back to his Huston days Beverley knows what its like to not have the ball and he has found a way to be effective without it. He improved at making catch-and-shoot jumpers turning him into a solid 3-and-D player.

Cavs sign J.J Barea: Let me make this straight. Whoever signs Barea is extremely lucky.

A floor general off the bench, Barea averaged nearly 12 points per game and dished out 6 assists. His contract situation is also very appealing, Barea is expected to ask for 3 million once free agency starts. The Cavs can use their MLE (Mid-Level Exception) to sign him.

Cavs re-sign Jeff Green: Jeff Green’s versatility made him a real asset to the Cavs. His averages were solid last season averaging 10 pts while shooting 47 percent from the field. His ability to help guard players like Durant could not be overstated.

He was a big part as to why the Cavs were able to get this far without Irving.

Cavs trade Thompson for Dedmon and Plumlee: This trade would strengthen the Cavs depth at center. Dedmon is a phenomenal role player who can score efficiently and rebound. However to get him the Cleveland Cavaliers would likely have to take on Plumlee’s gross contract.

The Hawks do this to rid themselves of one bad contract and get a player like Thompson who is young and can play with effort on both ends of the floor. This trade is a win-win for both teams and everyone goes home happy.

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

Because of these trades the Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup and bench would look like this:

Starters: PG Beverley, SG Butler, SF George, PF James, C Gobert                                                                Bench: PG Barea, SG Ingles, SF Green, PF Nance, C Dedmon