Ever since the Cavs and Celtics finalized the Kyrie Irving deal, there has been plenty of speculation about whether or not the Cavs would attempt to flip their newly acquired Brooklyn first round draft pick for an established star, in order to improve their team now to compete with Golden State. Some names that have been thrown around include DeMarcus Cousins, Paul George, Mike Conley, and Marc Gasol.
But according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavs will be keeping that selection. In a podcast with Zach Lowe from ESPN, Wojnarowski stated (H/T to The Big Lead for transcribing):
“Should the Cavaliers flip that Nets pick to use it to get an impact player who can help them win this year and keep LeBron?
It is not happening.
That is not why they traded for that pick.”
His reasoning for this statement is that because the Cavs are unaware of LeBron James’ plans for after this season, they are unwilling to mortgage their future in the event that James leaves elsewhere.
“The risk of trading that pick to be stuck with somebody else if LeBron leaves, who doesn’t fit a rebuild … they’re not going to let themselves be in the position of having to take years to untangle that roster.
They’re holding onto that pick.”
Lowe says that the only way the pick is traded, is if James commits to the Cavaliers long-term:
“The most popular name has been Demarcus Cousins. It is not going to be DeMarcus Cousins. The only way it is Demarcus Cousins is if LeBron says, Demarcus Cousins is my new best friend, I love Demarcus Cousins, if you trade for [him] I will sign on a piece of paper [that] I will come back here. It’s not Paul George. It’s not Marc Gasol …”
So as of now, it is highly unlikely that Cleveland will trade the pick at or before this season’s trade deadline. Of course, that could change if James commits to the team before then. If he re-signs with the team or opts into his current contract next offseason, the Cavs would be able to trade both the Brooklyn pick and their 2018 first round pick on the night of the draft. But if they keep the pick, the most likely selections would be Michael Porter Jr. or Marvin Bagley III, both elite prospects who could be franchise cornerstones.
The Cavs have options with their pick, and they appear to have a plan accounting for whatever LeBron James decides to do. Either way, the Cavs are in a good spot.
