Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
For the Cavaliers, there are two questions that should inform their logic here: are they in a position to afford Anunoby more playmaking responsibilities, and is Evan Mobley ready to move to the 5?
The answer to the first question is likely “no”. On the other hand, it’s difficult to identify a contending team who’s likely to increase Anunoby’s role. If he’s looking to remain on a winning squad, the Cavaliers can offer him as much ball-handling as any other.
Meanwhile, the answer to the second question is likely yes. Mobley looks like an archetypal modern big man. He’s an elite rim protector who’s comfortable on the perimeter as well. In time, he’s likely to make the shift from the 4 to the 5 when he’s ready to anchor a defense.
This deal finds the Cavaliers forcing the issue. It’s not without risk – it may not even make them better in 2022-23.
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On the other hand, they’ll still be quite good, having acquired Donovan Mitchell this summer. More importantly, it may give them a more balanced group to build with in the coming years: Whether the game is positionless or not, that’s likely to benefit them.
