The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers might have the chance to land the perfect addition to their roster this trade season.
Trade assets are few in Cleveland, but the Cavaliers have veteran players on quality contracts, young talent and a couple draft options left at their disposal. If the right prospect pops up, the Cavs must explore their opportunities to secure another high-end talent.
There are not many players who are worth the cost of Cleveland’s remaining assets. While the Cavs could make a lateral move or could make moves to maneuver their salaries to dip below the luxury tax threshold, the Cavs should not make any trade that does not improve their championship window.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have built their latest generation of greatness off terrific defensive intensity, built off the backs of star frontcourt duo Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. As the Cavs journey through the regular season as the top threat to dethrone the reigning Boston Celtics, this trade season could prove crucial for the Ohio franchise to perfect their lineup.
Finding the ideal trade target this season is not easy. The best players to add to Cleveland are going to cost the Cavaliers plenty and would drain their shallow asset pool even further. Drying up the possibility for a future trade is risky business, but recent reports could suggest the best possible trade could emerge before the February 6 deadline.
Herb Jones is the perfect Cavalier trade target
While one report confirms and another denies in quick succession, the New Orleans Pelicans may put All-Defensive forward Herb Jones onto the trade block this year. The Pelicans are without much hope this season, owning the worst record in the Western Conference at just five wins and 21 losses.
Stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have missed extended time and seem to be waiting for the front office to move them. With veteran guard CJ McCollum’s $33.3 million contract on the trade block, as well, New Orleans could look entirely different by the season’s end. Outside of the two young All-Star forwards, though, the Pels might find the most trade value with Herb Jones.
Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, ThStein Lin
Reporting from the great Marc Stein and his new colleague Jake Fischer contradicts early suggestions that Jones is on the market. With trade season just now getting underway with the December 15 eligibility date around the corner, much can change seemingly overnight. An executive like David Griffin has no reason to announce an early fire sale, especially for a player like Jones.
Every season, the most important asset in trade discussions is leverage. With Herb Jones, the Pelicans have plenty. The Cavaliers, though, have an equal amount of leverage as the league’s best team. They are in no hurry to make a deal, but they have a variety of deals that could draw New Orleans’s interest if situations change.
The Cavs have what the Pelicans want
While the Cavs have been looking for an ideal 3-and-D big wing, the Pelicans have set their sights on a single Cavalier over the same period. In the search to build a better frontcourt around Zion, the Pels have had Jarrett Allen atop their trade target board. If New Orleans is still interested, Allen could be a large enough trade chip to bring Jones in.
The Cavaliers core four is the pillar upon which this new era is built. But, with Evan Mobley further into stardom, Jarrett Allen’s role shrinks. Allen is within Cleveland’s starting lineup but almost always absent from the closing five. Instead, coach Kenny Atkinson has trusted in a one-big lineup, playing Mobley at the five with a floor spacer at the four. If Allen’s role continues to shrink, the Cavs may be more willing to move Allen than they had been in years prior.
With a max-level contract extension this summer, Allen will be eligible to be traded just ahead of the deadline. Paying Allen a max deal just to take more opportunities away from him would be a confusing move on an already-expensive franchise. Jones, on the other hand, comes at a relatively affordable cost and fits Cleveland’s timeline. With his versatility to play alongside Mobley on both ends and the ability to fill in at the three spot as well, Jones fits seamlessly.
There’s no reason the Cavs need to trade Allen, but they’d be foolish not to make incessant calls to New Orleans for Jones. If the Pels are not swayed by Allen in favor of rookie center Yves Missi, Cleveland can match Jones’ $12.9 million salary. With Georges Niang and rookie Jaylon Tyson, the Cavs can build a deal. Including a 2030 first-round pick swap and a mountain of second-rounders could be the sweetener.
For now, though, the Cleveland Cavaliers can gladly continue their dominance of the NBA. Atkinson has unlocked the potential of this team’s offense while maintaining much of their defensive prowess. A player like Jones could be the perfect missing piece at the right price, but there should be no rush or hastiness.
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