The Cleveland Cavaliers made major strides in building out depth last offseason, and they will likely continue this trend next summer.
Despite contending for a top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers still have glaring weaknesses, and unless the team parts with one of their core four players, they will look for sleeper talents across the league to bolster their squad around the edges. Winning players are not always the star-studded leaders. The Cavs find maximum value out of hard-nosed players with hustle. If they want to build a true contender, Cleveland needs to add people who will upgrade their grit and physicality for next season.
The offseason is still a while away, and the Cavaliers will have a much better sense of their needs and deficiencies after another run in the playoffs. Cleveland has already recognized the value of depth, showcased by their moves last offseason and their historic quarter-season run without Darius Garland or Evan Mobley. There is no reason to assume the Cavs will sit back and do nothing this summer.
The Cavaliers need to repeat their winning formula from last summer
Similar to their approach last offseason, the Cavaliers should be fearless in their approach to add additional glue guys to the team early in the summer. They will likely have access to the Mid-Level Exception again, but whether or not they will have the full mid-level or taxpayer mid-level is still to be determined. Their limited yet valuable cap flexibility opens the Cavaliers up to being active on the offseason trade market, cashing in on their current assets and team-friendly contracts to bolster their bench.
Once the summer trade season begins, the Cavaliers should target frontcourt and wing depth once again. Though they lost Ricky Rubio this season, the backcourt rotation has never been an issue with Craig Porter, Jr.'s unexpected rise and Ty Jerome's likely return next season.
These three players stand out as ideal candidates to be sleeper trade options who would yield major returns for the Cavs.
Trade Target No. 1 - Maxi Kleber, Dallas Mavericks
For the most part, the Cavaliers' frontcourt rotation will always consist heavily of either Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen at the center position. Until Cleveland moves on from one of the two, they will not target expensive or high-end backup fives. What the Cavs should prioritize, though, is physical centers who can add floor spacing.
Despite uninspiring averages of 4.4 points and 3.4 rebounds this season, Maxi Kleber makes his impact on the court whenever given the chance. He does not make flashy plays or dominate the paint every second. He knows his role and gives energy where it is needed. Kleber provides physicality in the post alongside reliable floor spacing. There is no single skill that Kleber gives exceptionally, but his jack-of-all-trades style could benefit the Cavs in a variety of matchups.
The Mavericks have appreciated Kleber this season, but with the addition of Derek Lively III and Daniel Gafford, his fit in Dallas has come into question. The frontcourt cluster has caused messy lineup rotations, and Kleber is likely the one most likely out the door first. In the case that the Mavs are actively shopping Kleber, the Cavaliers would be wrong not to call and see what the price would be to bring the veteran big to the Land.
With two more years on his contract after this season at $11 million each season, the Cavaliers could easily match Kleber's salary without losing pivotal players. He would require a rotation player being sent to Dallas in return, but the German big man's fit on the Cavs as a dependable and talented backup option at both the four and five spots adds a unique skillset Cleveland has been looking for this past two years.
Trade Target No. 2 - Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers
Since escaping being undervalued with the New York Knicks, Obi Toppin has thrived in an upgraded role with the Indiana Pacers. In 21.3 minutes per game, Toppin is averaging 10.3 points, four rebounds and 40.9 percent from three this season. He has typically come off the bench for Indy, serving as an athletic reserve option in the frontcourt.
Toppin brings a palpable energy and athleticism to the court. Last season, Toppin averaged 1.28 points per possession in transition and has continued his high-flying displays with the Pacers. This year, the Cavaliers have the sixth-best points per possession in transition at 1.18. At their best, the Cavs punish misses and fly down the other end. Obi Toppin could elevate Cleveland's pace and transition lethality to the next level.
Bringing in the Dayton Flyer could give the Cleveland fanbase another fan favorite in no time. Acquiring Toppin could be complicated, though, as he will enter restricted free agency this summer. Trading for Toppin would have to following the same route the Cavs took for Max Strus this past offseason, adding him via sign-and-trade.
Despite the financial complications of sign-and-trade moves, Toppin would immediately be the best frontcourt reserve player in Cleveland, and he would serve as insurance if the starting frontcourt changes anytime soon. He has the potential to be a high-level starter, giving the Cavaliers a realistic option to pair with Mobley if he takes over as the full-time center.
Although Toppin has had a substantial impact with the Pacers this season, they were exploring the trade market for the former Knick and Buddy Hield this past deadline, suggesting he will be available for the right price this summer. Only Hield ended up being dealt, but the Cavaliers should take the initiative to inquire about Toppin as soon as possible.
Trade Target No. 3 - Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors
When the Golden State Warriors nearly imploded ahead of the trade deadline, the world looked to the potential value of Jonathan Kuminga on the market. Kuminga's unhappy remarks seemed to signal a major shift for the Warriors, but the young forward has since stated his joy to stay with Golden State for the long-term.
Amid the whirlwind of the Warriors' theatric, young wing Moses Moody also expressed discontent with the team. Kuminga's role improved after he spoke out, but Moody's chances have hardly increased. If Golden State and Moody are not on mutual terms this summer, his tenure in the Bay could come to an early close. In that case, the Cavaliers would be a perfect landing spot to maximize what Moody brings.
In his first three seasons, Moses Moody has established a reputation as a sturdy wing with valuable shooting and dependable defense. He is not an All-Star or All-Defense talent, but the 6-foot 6-inch wing provides reliable production and energy. In 17.4 minutes per game, he has averaged eight points with a respectable 54.6 efficient field goal percentage.
His stats do not pop out on a spreadsheet, but he produces defensive versatility, ranking in the 98th percentile per BBall-Index (subscription required). Additionally, Moody has a reliable pull-up three-pointer and can score off a well-placed screen. His offense is not comparable to a star, but his bench production would be immense for the Cavaliers.
The next step forward will be revealed in the postseason, whether Cleveland brings home the gold or has an early spring exit. With their current construction, these three players would bring answers to many lingering questions. For now, the Cleveland Cavaliers need to focus on turning their season around before the playoffs. Without Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs have struggled mightily after the All-Star break.