3 reasons a Kevin Durant trade would affect the Cavs

3 reasons a Durant trade would affect Cavs: Could boost a foe

The elimination of the Nets from the playoff field could make the Cavs a more likely playoff team, but it also makes it possible that Cavs have a tougher go of it in the postseason itself. If the Nets trade Durant to a team in the Eastern Conference, suddenly the Cavs have to contend with an even more powerful foe lurking.

For example, as things stand the Toronto Raptors are likely going to be just above the Cavs in the East hierarchy. If they meet, either in the playoffs or the Play-In- Tournament, the Cavs would have a good chance of winning. If the Raptors swap, say, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent and a ton of picks to the Nets for Kevin Durant, they are a much more formidable opponent.

The same goes for teams that are below the Cavs and could get a boost from adding Durant. If the New York Knicks pivot to considering a Durant deal instead of a Mitchell one, they could leap frog the Cavs in the standings and make their path that much more intertesting.

If the Phoenix Suns or New Orleans Pelicans add Durant, then the Eastern Conference teams can breathe a little earlier. They’re go from facing Durant 3-4 times plus the postseason to only seeing him a maximum of twice.