4 sleeper trade targets the Cavaliers should consider this summer

Koby Altman, president of basketball operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers, said he thinks this team isn’t far from competing for the NBA Finals, but that means there’s still room for improvement necessary.

This offseason, the Cavaliers will face a difficult decision at a crossroads with Donovan Mitchell’s contract extension, or lack thereof, having lasting ripple effects throughout the team. If he stays, local All-Star Darius Garland could be on his way out. With Evan Mobley’s playoff dominance at center, Jarrett Allen’s fit with the team is questionable to say the least. One way or another, the Cavs are sure to look drastically different when next season begins.

Many NBA stars have entered the trade rumor mill, from Brandon Ingram to Trae Young. The Cavs have been linked to Ingram, and his the adjustment might make perfect sense with the team if Cleveland is willing and able to offer a long-term max extension and risks entering the second fiscal apron in a few years with Mobley’s extension also on the horizon. There are signs that the Cavaliers are retooling to build a more competitive roster for the playoffs. In this case, they may not be looking for a high-priced star, but instead will be aiming for complementary pieces to elevate the Mobley and Mitchell duo.

One problem in a Brandon Ingram deal is that he will take the ball out of Evan Mobley’s hands more often. Mobley’s emergence against the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics was accompanied by an uptick in usage. Throughout the first round of the Playoffs, Mobley only had a usage rate of 17.6 percent, but it jumped to over 23 percent against the Celtics. If the Cavaliers hope to get the most out of Evan Mobley, they need to build the offense with him as the focal point.

Instead of adding another ball-dominant star, the Cavs have the assets to add a proven complementary player who can impact winning on both ends of the court. With Garland and Allen likely on the trading block, Caris LeVert’s contract expiring and the possibility of an Isaac Okoro sign-and-trade, the path to adding numerous two-way contributors is wide open. Whether the Cavs are active in trades on draft night with their 20th overall pick or trade other players and assets, the Cavaliers must consider four dormant trade prospects before chasing stars.