The Cleveland Cavaliers finally made the Eastern Conference Finals this past season. However, they were swept by the New York Knicks. While this was the furthest the core of the team has gotten, it was an embarrassing end to the year.
This offseason, the Cavs are searching for ways to improve the roster. They were the most expensive team in the NBA, so their options are limited. Making a trade is the only way they will be able to meaningfully improve the current team.
A three-team trade proposal from Bleacher Report would see them add LeBron James for the final chapter of his career.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball in a game. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Cavaliers Land LeBron James in Bold Three-Team Trade
Here is the full trade proposal:
Cavaliers receive:
- LeBron James (from Lakers)
- Bronny James (from Lakers)
- Deandre Ayton (from Lakers)
- $14.8 million trade exception (Dennis Schröder)
- $9.5 million trade exception (Jarrett Allen)
- $6.6 million trade exception (Dean Wade)
Lakers receive:
- Trey Murphy III (from Pelicans)
- Micah Peavy (from Pelicans)
- Jarrett Allen (from Cavaliers)
- Dean Wade (from Cavaliers)
- $6 million trade exception (Jake LaRavia)
Pelicans receive:
- Dennis Schröder (from Cavaliers)
- Jarred Vanderbilt (from Lakers)
- Jake LaRavia (from Lakers)
- Dalton Knecht (from Lakers)
- 2030 first-round swap rights (from Lakers)
- 2031 unprotected first-round pick (from Lakers)
- 2033 unprotected first-round pick (from Lakers)
- $6.2 million trade exception (Trey Murphy III)
- $2.2 million trade exception (Micah Peavy)
Cleveland getting James would give them a third star, along with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. James wouldn’t be overtaxed on the offensive end of the court. He would be able to get a lot of open shots and create open shots for the other two stars.
Downgrading at the center spot would hurt, as Allen is much better than Ayton. Still, they would hope that Evan Mobley can take a leap in his development and become stronger inside. That would allow the Cavs to play more through him on offense.
GettyCleveland Cavliers forward Evan Mobley drives to the basket in a game. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Cleveland Might go into the Second Apron of the Luxury Tax
Even though Cleveland was already the most expensive team in the league, they could spend even more. Dan Gilbert has never been afraid to spend money and has paid into the luxury tax several times in the past few years. It’s not something he’s afraid of, although the team was in the second apron of the luxury tax this year.
There is a chance that the Cavaliers will spend next year in it again. If they do, their tax penalty has a chance to be the largest in NBA history. Gilbert doesn’t seem afraid of the penalties that the team could have if they are in the second apron. All he cares about is getting the best possible roster.
Doing a trade to get James would be a nice way for him to end his career. It would also give him the best chance to win a title. He would need to take a large pay cut from last year, though.
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