3 prospects Cavs could target as result of potential J.R. Smith trade with Heat

PJ Washington – Kentucky

If the Cavs swing for the fences at five and take a high-upside guy there, I can easily see them drafting Kentucky’s PJ Washington if they get the 13th pick and he’s on the board.

With Tristan Thompson and John Henson expiring players after the 2019-20 season, it would be reasonable for Cleveland to take Washington, and he could be a valuable rotational piece from day one.

Last season, Washington averaged 15.2 points on 56.7% effective field shooting (including a three-point shooting clip of 42.3%), to go with 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game (per Sports Reference).

Washington’s game is very polished and should be able to come and contribute right away for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’d also fill some big needs that the Cavs desperately have right now.

Washington is someone that can be a stretch four that would add some much-needed shooting, which outside of Kevin Love, Cleveland doesn’t really have with anyone in terms of any considerable volume.

Washington can help the Cavaliers defensively as well, and he could reasonably guard 3’s and 4’s (and feasibly small-ball fives) with his 6-foot-8 and 228-pound frame (per Tankathon) combined with good quickness laterally and with his strength in walling up in post defense.

The Cavs also want to instill a winning culture and Washington fits a need for the Cavs and also checks off a big part of the winning culture end of things.