2 best trade targets at each position for Cleveland Cavaliers

There would be no reason to buy high on a center in Cleveland. This summer, the Cavaliers targeted two cheap centers to fill minutes off the bench in place of injury or stylistic need. These two centers would fill a similar spot but provide a different type of archetype.

The third Wizard on this list, Mike Muscala joined the ranks in Washington in part of the Kristaps Porzingis three-team deal along with Tyus Jones. Muscala has carved out a spot in the league for himself through his floor-stretching ability and serviceable interior defense. In truth, that is all the Cavaliers would really need from him. Any addition to the Cleveland frontcourt is a cherry on top, so finding a cheap 3-point shooter at the center position simply gives head coach J.B. Bickerstaff a chance to experiment with a wildly different lineup.

Muscala only appeared in 20 games last season for the Celtics, averaging 16.2 minutes per game. He is not a high-usage player and is only making $3.5 million next season. The Cavaliers could buy low on a talented big man who can offer more versatility in their offense and maintain their defense when Allen or Mobley are unavailable.

In essence, trading for Zach Collins from the San Antonio Spurs would be for a similar purpose as Muscala, though Collins would probably garner more overall time on the court. Last season, Collins scored 11.6 points per game in 22.9 minutes. He is typically relegated to a bench role but has all the makings of a worthwhile starting center. With Victor Wembanyama joining the Spurs, Collins might see a severely reduced role and want to find a new environment. Although he would be in the second unit still, the Cavaliers could offer him hefty minutes as both a center and power forward.

Shooting 37.4 percent from deep last season gives Collins the same versatility that Muscala offers but with a better overall skillset. You do pay for what you get, though, and that means the Cavaliers would need to match Collins’ $7.7 million salary in a trade. While his contract is well deserved, it is over double that of Muscala’s.

If the Cavaliers could not give Collins a large role coming off the bench, they may find it too expensive to bring him on board as they continue to creep nearer to the Luxury Tax threshold already. Collins would undoubtedly fit on Cleveland’s roster in the right deal, though.

The Cavaliers will surely look to improve their roster in the 2023-24 season. Their moves this offseason prove they recognize a championship window is beginning to open, and now is the time to capitalize on that opportunity.

Where the right improvements can be made is not immediately clear, but wherever it may be, these ten players could all play a part in bringing hardware to the Land once more.