We have reached the beginning of the NBA Trade Deadline day, but things are already going absolutely insane. Kevin Durant is now on the Phoenix Suns, Jakob Poeltl is on the Toronto Raptors, and Kyrie Irving is with the Dallas Mavericks. We can expect at least a few more trades to start popping up throughout the day.
Narrowing in on the Kyrie trade, Dallas appears to be investing heavily in a win-now mindset. Whether or not that move was the right one for them remains to be seen. However, the Mavericks’ front office seems to be abiding by Luka Doncic’s request, by bringing in more offensive assistance, and it looks like they might not be done.
The Mavs have been shopping around several players in the hopes of constructing a contending roster. Luka is definitely a special player, his talent and ability to score is impeccable, but he can’t do it all.
Dallas would benefit from adding additional scoring and playmaking alongside to the roster, and the Cleveland Cavaliers could be just the team to do that.
Now, as for Cleveland, they are in need of two things in this contributor’s opinion – a 3-and-D wing with efficient shooting, and more depth at the bench, especially in the frontcourt. Two players that have been discussed recently in the trade rumors are Tim Hardaway Jr. and JaVale McGee. Dallas seems to be shopping these two players, amongst others as well. There have seemingly been plenty of conversations surrounding a Hardaway for Caris LeVert swap, but this really could be a trade that benefits both teams.
Cleveland is sitting at 4th place in the Eastern Conference with a 34-22 overall record. An upgrade to the team’s shooting as well as its depth would help the Cavs push their way into the postseason and into a potentially deep playoff run. Now, how would the Cavaliers manage to pull off a trade for Hardaway and McGee? Let’s build out the trade.