Cavs: Trade or Fade with Simmons and others being shopped

The Cleveland Cavaliers of the last two decades have had one path to a star player, and that is drafting him and hoping he grew up in the greater Cleveland metro area. Even if that path is so narrow it’s unlikely to ever be used again, the Cavs demonstrated while building around LeBron James that trades can be an excellent way to build out a team around a superstar.

The Cavs don’t have that superstar right now. It’s possible that Darius Garland or Collin Sexton take a big leap forward; it’s even more likely, if further out, that Evan Mobley grows into a star. They could draft one in next year’s draft. Whatever the path, they can work to build the right roster around whichever star emerges.

Ben Simmons headlines a group of players rumored to be available. Should the Cavs “Trade or Fade” these rumors?

It’s unlikely the Cavs can get in the midst for a superstar player on the open market. If they try to retain enough of their young core to actually compete around that star they won’t win the bid, but if they throw the kitchen sink in for a Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal they won’t go anywhere with them, and whichever player is brought in will be miserable and leave at the first opportunity.

Yet the trade market is buzzing with other players, talented ones who won’t cost the farm. Rumors around players like Lillard and Beal have died down, but they are still swirling for a few players. Ben Simmons has dominated headlines for months, but he’s not the only player being shopped. Should the Cavs trade for any of these “available” players, or should they keep their powder dry for the next guy? Let’s play “Trade or Fade” with three players rumored to be available on the trade market.