The Cleveland Cavaliers had a great season overall. They easily qualified for the playoffs, winning 51 games, and while they lost in five games to the New York Knicks they weren’t blown out in any game. For a young team just coming together, it was a great step toward building a future champion, especially given the accountability the players took onto themselves. This core still has a bright future.
Now, however, they need to figure out how to upgrade the roster for playoff basketball. Winning in the regular season is not enough; the Cavaliers now need to find players who can play on the NBA’s biggest stage.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to make trades this summer
They have a second-round pick to add someone, and they will have the mid-level exception to add players in free agency. They will absolutely be mining the trade market, however, calling around the league to look for upgrades to their rotation, especially at small forward for that fifth starting spot.
With no first-round picks to trade, the Cavs have to rely on the value of the players already on their roster. Some players are untouchable, while others improved their value during the season. For a few players, however, their play this year has tanked their trade value.