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Should the Cleveland Cavaliers pursue John Wall in trade talks?

By Matthew Beighle

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Should the Cleveland Cavaliers pursue John Wall on the trade market?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have repeatedly said they do not want to trade Kevin Love AND that they don’t want to enter a full rebuild. However true that is, if they don’t want to enter a full rebuild, they might as well go all in and try to trade for Wizards star John Wall.

John Wall is a 27-year-old guard out of Raleigh, North Carolina, who is set to make $19.1 million next year in his current contract. The explosive guard for the Wizards is averaging a solid 19.4 ppg, 9.6 apg, 3.7 rpg, and 1.1 spg.

While those aren’t career numbers, Wall is still in prime production in Washington.

"He can dominate as a scorer, passer, and defender. He excels at keying the break with steals, is electric in the open court, and is a fantastic leaper who finishes well above the rim on a regular basis. He also brings a rare mix of speed, explosive athleticism, and length at point guard. He’s a leader who’s not afraid to take the big shot. (SportsForecaster)"

While all of this looks intriguing and it would be nice to have another star-studded player, John Wall offers no immediate opportunity to win a championship. At this stage in the Cavaliers franchise, a rebuild does not include trading for an aging all-star with a massive contract.

Wall is a superstar talent. He’s a great player, but the Cavaliers shouldn’t be in the position that Washington is in. Washington has made the postseason four of the past five seasons after missing the postseason the prior five.

They’re a prime example of a team in playoff purgatory, and those Cavs fans that have witnessed these past four Finals should know the pain of losing in the playoffs. The Cavs need to rebuild, which means not trading for a star like Wall.

So that begs the question, what’s next for Cleveland?

Cleveland’s number one step needs to be developing the player that could turn into John Wall — Collin Sexton. On July 4th, the Cavaliers pursued that first step in signing Sexton to a 4 year, $20.2 million deal. Players like George Hill and Rodney Hood now need to take Sexton and start to mold him into the player he can’t even see yet.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 5 free agents remaining

It also might do the Cavaliers good to sign a low veteran point guard to help in the process.