Constructing an NBA roster is no easy task. You’ve got to accumulate as much talent as you can. Still, the job isn’t done there. You must also ensure that the pieces on that roster fit together.
That doesn’t mean that you have to field a traditional team. Smart general managers may try to double down in one area or another to gain an edge. That can work, but it can also backfire. It may be time to pivot to a more traditional formation when it does.
For example, take the Cleveland Cavaliers. This team starts two big men, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. They’ve got two small starting guards, Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
The Cavaliers have a lot of talent, but they’ve fallen a bit short of expectations. Could they make a move for Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards?
NBA Trade Proposal: Cleveland Cavaliers Land Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: F Davis Bertans, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Kyle Kuzma
With that said, building a roster is easier with assets. Specifically, we’re talking about first-round picks. The more picks you’ve got, the more options you have. Just ask the Thunder.
This team has amassed the most draft capital an NBA team has ever had. As a result, they’ve had endless options in terms of roster construction.
The Thunder haven’t hit on every pick. Josh Giddey’s future with the team looks murky, and Ousmane Dieng is still a project. It doesn’t matter – they had too many picks to mess this up.
Ultimately, this team’s core trio will likely be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. That group should be able to rival anyone in the NBA in a year or two.
Does adding Allen make life easier for them?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
You may be asking yourself a question. If the Cavaliers struggle to make Mobley and Allen work, why would Holmgren and Allen work? There’s a simple answer. So far, Holmgren looks like a better shooter than Mobley.
The combined lack of floor spacing has been problematic for the Cavaliers. That shouldn’t be an issue in Oklahoma City. Otherwise, Holmgren and Allen should be a perfect fit.
The thin Holmgren has struggled with more physical matchups throughout his rookie season. Allen can handle them. Meanwhile, Allen is a strong primary rim protector who will help Holmgren continue to feast as a weak-side shot blocker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Best of all, the Thunder aren’t giving up any rotation players to make this move. A lottery protected first is a small price for this kind of roster upgrade.
Should the Wizards accept that return for Kuzma?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
The Thunder have had time to put their roster together. Now, the Wizards have to do the same. Selecting Bilal Coulibaly looks like a good start, but there’s a lot of work to be done in the nation’s capital.
That work starts with accumulating draft capital. With that in mind, some Wizards fans will suggest that they should get more for Kuzma. In a vacuum, his play is more valuable than this. With that said, he’s on a major, long-term contract.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
So, we think a lottery protected first should do the trick. Moving Kuzma has other benefits as well. The Wizards would be clearing the runway for their current and future younger players.
Should the Cavaliers help them clear that runway?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers don’t have to rush into a deal. They’re having a fine season. Still, it doesn’t feel like last year’s first-round exit was a fluke. With their current frontcourt formation, it feels like there’s a glass ceiling on this team’s success.
Here, we’ve got them modernizing. Mobley will get bullied by certain matchups – although, not to the same extent as Holmgren. On the other hand, he’ll lend the Cavaliers a tremendous mobility advantage at the 5 spot on almost every night.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Yet, the point here is to acquire Kuzma. Sure, his deal is a bit scary, but as a big, do-it-all wing, he’s a perfect fit for this team. In other words, the Cavs do this deal to improve their roster construction.
