How This Trade Impacts Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have found zero success this century without LeBron James. But, that looks to be changing this season, as they are one of the pleasant surprises in the NBA.
Cleveland is currently 14-12, right in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. A lot of their success can be attributed to the work they are doing defensively, as they are 4th in the NBA in defensive rating. That is helping keep them afloat as their offense has not been nearly as effective, ranking 20th in offensive rating.
If Cleveland wants to remain competitive, even more up the ranks in the Eastern Conference, they will eventually have to make a move. They waste little time upgrading by acquiring Damian Lillard in this hypothetical deal.
Lillard would help take this offense to heights they haven’t achieved since Kyrie Irving was running the show. He is an All-NBA performer and would create one of the best backcourt trios in the NBA with Darius Garland and Ricky Rubio.
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Robert Covington provides Cleveland with a replacement for Isaac Okoro on the wing as their ace 3-and-D player. Adding him to the mix in the frontcourt with Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen gives them a formidable frontcourt as well.
Cleveland is surrendering a lot in this deal, but it is a win for them. Given the youth surrounding Lillard, this team could develop into a legitimate championship contender while Lillard is still playing at a high level.
Trading away two unprotected first-round picks is always risky, but Cleveland should very well be playoff locks and contenders through 2024 when the picks convey.
