2 offseason moves for the Cavaliers to become contenders

Offseason Move No. 1: Trade for depth and shooting

After years and years of mediocrity, the Washington Wizards are seriously considering a full reset, including a Bradley Beal trade, which was a long-awaited Woj Bomb from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. To cash in on their current roster, the Wizards could work out a substantial deal with the Cavaliers. The deal would not include Beal, of course, as the Cavs already have their back court of the future signed onto long-term high-cost deals.

As previously mentioned, the Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen has been a player suggested in numerous trade proposals from the outside, but Cleveland President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman has shown no signs of an intent to move on from Allen after praising the team’s stellar defense through the regular season. Trading Allen would open a Pandora’s Box of new problems, leaving the Cavaliers with no post presence outside of Evan Mobley.

This trade would build off of Bleacher Report‘s recent trade proposal for the Cavs bringing in Washington’s sharpshooter Corey Kispert. Bleacher Report suggested the Cavaliers swap four second-round picks for Kispert, but this offseason move enhances it to bring depth to Cleveland and sent youth back to the Wizards.

To find depth at both the wing and center position, Cleveland would need to send more than draft picks to Washington. Going into a full-rebuild leaves Washington in need for young talent that can be developed. Sending Okoro and Dean Wade gives the Wizards two young wings with steady defense. These players can help any talent the team drafts in the coming years.

For the Cavaliers, both Kispert and Daniel Gafford have earned their place in the NBA as valuable role players. Kispert can score on multiple levels, earning a 63.7% efficient Field Goal percentage (eFG%) and 42.4% from three.

Kispert’s defense needs work, but at times all it takes is guiding and forcing an opponent to move into a tough spot where a better defender can come help. On a team such as the Cavaliers, Kispert will have the leadership in Bickerstaff and support in the frontcourt to be a serviceable defender. At 6-foot-6, Kispert has the size to guard other wings and has the athleticism and speed to keep up with shifty opponents.

Gafford has averaged 4.8 rebounds per contest throughout his career alongside 1.3 blocks per game over his four seasons in the league. At 6-foot 10, Gafford brings size and defense to the Cavaliers in a reserve role, giving Allen a chance to rest without leaving the team hopeless on the boards.

Both players would slot easily into their roles in Cleveland, putting them into the best position for success they have been in their careers. The second move would strengthen the Cavaliers in free agency, securing a full, competitive 10-man rotation without losing their current identity.