The Cleveland Cavaliers could be looking for a way to trade into the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Right Down Euclid Editor-in-Chief Evan Dammarell wrote in a Tuesday article.
“That doesn’t mean the Cavaliers won’t try to make a trade when the 2023 NBA Draft opens on Thursday evening,” Dammarell wrote. “Sources across the league have confirmed to Right Down Euclid the multiple reports that Cleveland is looking to find a way to sneak into the back half of the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
“A separate source shared that the Rockets (20), the Jazz (28) and Brooklyn Nets (21, 22) are all viewed as teams that the Cavaliers will speak with on a deal.”
Dammarell brought up a few interesting trade scenarios for the Cavs before the draft kicks off on Thursday.
“While Cleveland doesn’t have much asset-wise to work with, the same source said that Cedi Osman’s non-guaranteed $6.7 million contract could act as a lynchpin for a possible trade,” Dammarell wrote. “If the Cavaliers could bring the teams mentioned above to the table, some believe Rudy Gay (Jazz) or Patty Mills (Nets) would be the players coming Cleveland’s way with a pick attached. Of course, trading with Utah would hinge on whether or not Gay picks up his $6.4 million player option next year, but there are options on the table for the Cavaliers.”
The Cavs will have the No. 49 pick heading into the 2023 NBA Draft. Forwards Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens and guard Sam Merrill will have non-guaranteed contracts heading into the 2023-24 season, according to Spotrac. Osman’s deal will become guaranteed on June 29. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. Stevens is listed with a team option. Merrill will play on non-guaranteed seasons for Cleveland before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gay averaged 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and one assist per game in 56 games played for the Jazz last season. The deadline for the 17-year NBA veteran’s player option is June 29. Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills will have one year remaining on the two-year, $14.5 million extension he signed with the Nets in 2022.