5 last minute trade targets for Cleveland Cavaliers before training camp

After their major moves in free agency, the Cavaliers transitioned to increasing their post player depth by trading for Damian Jones from the Utah Jazz. While Jones offers the Cavs a backup big in the case of injury, his lack of versatility has left him getting inconsistent playtime throughout his career.

The Cavaliers do not need a starting caliber center, but building up their frontcourt more before the season begins would be a smart move. Should they choose to do so, Mike Muscala would make a perfect target. Traded from the Celtics to Wizards in the Kristaps Porzingis-Marcus Smart trade, Muscala could be rerouted to the Cavaliers in a simple late summer transaction.

Next season, Muscala will be on a cheap $3.5 million salary, meaning the Cavs could easily match his contract in trade talks without sacrificing any significant players.

The veteran big not only offers the Cavaliers another player near 7-feet tall, but he also offers a big man who can stretch the floor, shooting 37.9 percent from beyond the arc over his career. Under Cleveland’s system, Muscala could make the most of his offensive talents, and he could pair well in a small role next to Evan Mobley.

Muscala is a cheap, easily implemented center off the bench for Cleveland, and his presence would only serve to improve the Cavaliers’ chances by adding another layer of versatility to their offensive gameplan.

Finally, the weeks before training camp are the last chance to make a big swing and still have time to build chemistry by opening night. In the unlikely scenario that the Cavaliers are ready to shift their core, this former champion could be a great candidate.