Should the Cleveland Cavaliers consider addition by subtraction?

After picking Victor Wembanyama with the first pick of the draft, the San Antonio Spurs have a bright future ahead of them. However, by trading for Donovan Mitchell, the Spurs can accelerate their present rebuild.

Mitchell and Wembanyama would be a great star duo together for the Spurs. For Wembanyama, Mitchell can be a mentor and help on the offensive end. For Mitchell, Wembanyama would a better version of Rudy Gobert due to his offense and versatility. Mitchell could also take on the ball-handling responsibilities if needed as well.

Receiving Keldon Johnson and Devonte’ Graham would be beneficial for two reasons: Johnson could fill in the small forward spot while Graham takes the backup point guard spot. With Rubio no longer with the Cavs, Graham could help with the ball-handling responsibilities on the bench as well as stepping up as a starter if Darius Garland gets injured. Johnson could help the Cavs on the defensive end and fits well on the Cavs’ timeline.

This trade could very well happen and might not need any changes. The Spurs would be giving up two picks from other teams. This trade looks to be an even return for both sides.

This may be the best trade the Cavs could do out of these three. Mikal Bridges would fit perfectly with the Cavs’ system due to being unselfish and defensive-minded. Dorian Finney-Smith would also fit in well with the Cavs bench if Strus stays in the starting lineup. This trade basically trades offense for defense. Mikal could fit in as a second or third option while guarding the opposing team’s best player.

Donovan Mitchell would probably like this trade the most due to being able to play in New York. Mitchell would be the team’s number one option and could help with the development of Cam Thomas.

These three trades are all examples of addition by subtraction. Mitchell is an amazing scorer, but the Cavs might not need that as much as they think. By trading Mitchell for Anunoby, Johnson, or Bridges, the Cavs’ defense gets improved while the offense is more spread out amongst the team.

This kind of superstar trade has worked for the Philadelphia 76ers. Why couldn’t it work for the Cavs?