Ricky Rubio was in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers before tearing his ACL for the second time. It was such a gruesome and unfortunate fall for the Cavs as they were already missing the services of Collin Sexton. The Cavaliers are trying to shore up their backcourt to aid Darius Garland as they have acquired Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Having Garland and Rondo along with Isaac Okoro and Lamar Stevens will not be enough against any playoff-contending team in the tough Eastern Conference. Rubio’s contract will not be easy to trade, but they could attach Sexton as well who is entering restricted free agency this season or even future draft picks. Koby Altman and the Cleveland front office must be on win-now mode with the current composition of their team and players exceeding expectations.
Gary Harris
With two expiring deals for both Rubio and Gary Harris, the Orlando Magic could be willing to part with the $20 million contract of Harris. The Cavs must be able to incentivize Orlando though by adding a few picks because Rubio will not be able to play this season anymore. Harris has been playing well as of late as he could be a massive boost to a contending team like Cleveland.
The Cavs will be able to utilize the strengths of Harris such as his tremendous outside shooting and incredible defense. Before injuries hounded his career, Harris was a vital piece in the 2017 and 2018 campaign of the Denver Nuggets as he averaged 14.9 and 17.5 points, respectively. His ability to space the floor for their towering frontcourt and Garland’s court awareness will be a phenomenal addition to their lineup.
Goran Dragic
This is another veteran rumored to be on the move as Goran Dragic has not played a game for the Toronto Raptors since November 13. There is no inkling on what Toronto is waiting for because Dragic is a huge piece who would blossom into a reliable backup point guard for the Cavs. His salary is close to Rubio’s at $19.4 million this year.
Toronto could demand for additional picks or young pieces as well, especially because their roster is still young and has a bright future ahead. Additionally, it could also be a three-way deal wherein the Raptors could add some wing depth and upgrade the spot of Yuta Watanabe and Svi Mykhailiuk. Dragic, Garland, and Rondo in the backcourt of Cleveland would be terrific for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Eric Bledsoe
After having close to an All-Star caliber year in 2019, Eric Bledsoe signed a four year, $70 million extension but he has been underwhelming ever since he signed that contract. The Milwaukee Bucks eventually traded him away before now landing on the Los Angeles Clippers for the final two years of his deal. The Cavs could bank on the talent of Bledsoe, especially with Garland and Mobley still on their rookie contracts.
Bledsoe has been wildly inconsistent over the past few years, but Cleveland could be the place wherein he find his niche. Their culture and environment has been commendable under J.B. Bickerstaff, so Bledsoe could fill in the role of Sexton and Rubio and contribute instantly. Moreover, Bledsoe has a sturdy base and quick feet which makes him an excellent perimeter defender as well.
The options to try and trade Rubio to bring reasonable help to their team will be tough because of his injury and gigantic contract. The Cavs are a legitimate playoff contender this season, but their ceiling will be limited because of their backcourt issues. It is not only Rubio who would be difficult to move, but the Cavaliers will not be willing to part with some of their young pieces as well. The second half of the Cavaliers season will be difficult, but this has been their best campaign since the departure of LeBron James.
