2. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers moved their timeline up considerably this off-season. After winning 44 games last season, the most without LeBron James on the roster since the 1997-98 campaign, Cleveland pulled off a blockbuster trade this offseason to ensure that is now their floor going forward.
The Cavaliers acquired Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz, giving them an impressive core to build around for years to come. Mitchell joins fellow All-Stars Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen along with Rookie of the Year runner-up Evan Mobley.
This is a strong roster, but they could use a little more veteran experience. Adding depth to the wing would also help, and Jae Crowder would check off both boxes. Crowder would provide insurance in case Isaac Okoro is unable to develop in the manner that they are hoping.
Having Crowder in the rotation also gives J.B. Bickerstaff another option for when he opts to play smaller with Mobley at the center spot. Along with Kevin Love, he would provide invaluable experience as a player who has played a big role on teams that went deep into the postseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Adding Landry Shamet to the deal could land Caris LeVert in the desert. If that isn’t something the Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in, Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens would get the job done under the league’s salary cap rules.
