Cavs: 3 players not named Ben Simmons to inquire about

Cavs: 3 players not named Ben Simmons to inquire about – Jonathan Isaac

Jonathan Isaac has the ability to be the best defender in the NBA; however, he just can’t seem to stay healthy. This past year, even though he only played in 34 games, was his best year to date. He averaged nearly 12 points per game, while also adding in a steal and a block-and-a-half per game. He has the raw materials to be the NBA’s next great defender, and he would fit in perfectly with the Cavaliers.

On the offensive side of things, he’s still a work in progress, much like Mobley at this point. However, his two-way potential is through the roof, and on top of everything else, he won’t be taking shots away from Garland, Sexton, Mobley, or anybody. His three-point shooting is not great right now, but he still shoots over 33% from deep and has improved that area of his game vastly since being drafted.

Trading for Isaac is not going to be easy, considering the Magic have a lot of young talent, so adding Okoro wouldn’t do much for them. However, his injury history would make me think he’s available at the right price. I have no problem giving up Okoro and Osman, but the first-round pick is where the questions come. The 2022 NBA Draft is loaded with scoring wings, a position of need for the Cavaliers. So giving up this year’s first-round pick isn’t ideal. However, if you put top-five protection on the pick, you could still end up with a great player in the draft.

Overall, I’d say the chances of acquiring Issac are pretty slim, but it’s worth a shot. He’s a better defender than Ben Simmons and a better shooter. On top of that he might come cheaper than Simmons, so if I were Koby Altman, I’d check in with the Magic before going through with a deal for Ben Simmons.