2022 NBA Draft possibilities for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Potential Trades

Cleveland does not have to draft anyone at all, they could make a trade and see what they can get from other teams for their pick. Here are a few selected trades that Cleveland can make with a few teams for their lottery pick.

Now, this trade may seem unrealistic for Cleveland, but let me break this down for both sides. For Cleveland, you get two solid rotational pieces. Williams is a solid defender and a 3-point shooter, and Maledon was highly touted in the 2020 NBA Draft, but fell in the draft to the second round to the Thunder.

The 34th pick is not too far out of the first round, so there should still be talent that has fallen into the second round. Also, a couple of future second-round picks can be valuable in later trades. For the Thunder, you get another first-round pick to add to your young roster, and you get a capable shooter in Dylan Windler, who can also be flipped later for maybe a second-round pick. Windler’s defense shouldn’t be glossed over, either.

Additionally, the Thunder add another second-round asset via the Cavs 2023 second-rounder of their own.

Again, this may seem outlandish, but let me explain it for both sides. Cleveland gets another stellar defender on the wing, and in the paint. Jonathan Isaac can guard pretty much everyone he needs to. Isaac is also better suited at the small forward over Lauri Markkanen.

The 2023 first-round pick and a future second-rounder should be added in to equal out the trade, considering Markkanen to Isaac, is not much of a dropoff in talent. This is all assuming Isaac will return as good as he was before his injury, and that he will be getting sufficient minutes in Cleveland.

For Orlando, you get more draft capital for your rebuild, plus a good player who you can either flip for more assets or keep around for the rebuild, as Markkanen is only 24 years old and fits the timeline of the Magic’s rebuild.

The Cavs can go a number of directions in the 2022 NBA Draft, but it’s clear they have a bright future.

Even with missing the playoffs this season, the Cavaliers do have a bright future. With future stars in Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland should be in playoff contention for years to come. This upcoming draft is very important for Cleveland, having a great opportunity to build on an already impressive roster.

Cleveland has many chances to collect more talent on to this team, and do not be surprised if the Cavs not only have a huge draft, but also a huge offseason in general. Whether it be drafting a player, trading up, down, or trading out, Cleveland has a big decision on their hands in the summer when it comes to this draft.

Any option that the Cavs take, I expect it to have a great impact on how next season goes, no matter what the front office decides to do with their pick(s).