As the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, falling victim to a sweep in the 130-93 loss on Monday night, the team’s eyes are now set on the offseason. With the Cavs going out in a lackluster fashion in a sweep to the Knicks, there are two players that fans are likely to see elsewhere when it comes to the trade market.
According to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, Max Strus and Jarrett Allen “remain the two likeliest players” to be dealt this offseason. If it needed to be said, it’s not expected that players like stars Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, or Evan Mobley will be leaving the team.
“Even outside of possible scenarios to pursue James in free agency, who the Cavs clearly need, Allen and Strus remain the two likeliest players in Cleveland to be traded this summer. Mitchell, Harden, and Mobley do not appear to be going anywhere, which makes Allen’s contract the one that could move the Cavs out of both tax aprons entirely,” Siegel wrote Tuesday.
There is “registered trade interest” in this Cavs star
With the Cavs disappointingly exiting the playoffs, people could be debating if the season ended up being a success or not, as though the team reached the Eastern Conference Finals, it ended in a sweep. Taking a minor step back with a trade to get assets could be what’s needed for a sort of shakeup in trading the three-point shooter and big man, especially the latter, who has had “registered trade interest” for a while.
“Several teams around the league have registered trade interest in Allen through the last year, besides the Lakers, including the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, and Indiana Pacers (before they traded for Ivica Zubac),” Siegel wrote.
“There is a path to cutting overall costs, adding more depth, and possibly even securing some draft picks along the way by trading Allen and Strus this summer,” Siegel continued.
At any rate, Cleveland looks to further improve after the playoff exit, which is sure to leave a sour taste.