King James Gospel
Fansided

Ranking 4 Cavaliers trade targets from most realistic to unlikely

By Tony Camino

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 12: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the 2023 Play-In Tournament at the Scotiabank Arena on April 12, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

Following a season where the Cleveland Cavaliers saw a seven-win improvement and their first playoff berth without Lebron James since 1998, strides were made towards Cleveland being in the title conversation again. Unfortunately, the lack of shooting, rebounding, and experience in the First Round versus the New York Knicks caused their season to end in just five games.

In the series, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell faced double teams and horrible spacing due to the lack of consistent shooting. Allowing the other team’s rim protector to roam the paint made it virtually impossible to get a good look inside, and relying on two guys to consistently hit contested jump shots is not a winning strategy. The Cavs went through waves in the series where the defense looked impenetrable, but the inability to knock down shots after stops made it all worthless.

The Cavaliers did not get enough shooting from their role players

Although Okoro made strides in efficiency shooting the three, his lack of volume did not draw the gravity needed to make life easier on the Cavs’ stars. When J.B. Bickerstaff opted for the better shooing Cedi Osman, the Knicks forced Osman to switch to Jalen Brunson, and that didn’t go well even once.

This offseason, improvements in shooting, perimeter defense, and rebounding are imperative to the Cavs making a deeper run next year. With a good amount of money tied up in the young core, free agency might not be the best route to take. Here are four trade targets ranked from most realistic to most unlikely to happen that can help meet the Cavs’ needs.