NBA trade rumors: Proposals for Cleveland Cavaliers’ top targets

DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers

There’s one problem I have when it comes to creating trade proposals for the Cavaliers. They have no real future assets outside of the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first round pick. They have no exciting prospects to dangle, and most of their own draft picks tend to fall at the end of the round.

On top of that, their roster is made up largely of overpaid, aging talent. That’s part of the reason they’re always buying, but it makes it rather difficult to acquire better players, especially from rebuilding franchises. That’s why, in this situation, Cleveland is going to have to overpay for DeAndre Jordan.

According to the Plain Dealer‘s Terry Pluto, the Cavaliers are unwilling to move the Nets pick. However, if they plan on acquiring a talent like Jordan, they may be forced to change their stance on that.

So to make the money work, the Cavaliers toss in a capable replacement at center in Tristan Thompson. Ante Zizic is also sent to Los Angeles, but that just makes the financials work. Then, Cleveland gives up that coveted Nets pick to seal the deal, finding themselves a star at center who can be a rebounding monster and devastating rim protector.

I didn’t include it since I already discussed Williams earlier, but it may actually be best to acquire both Clippers in a package deal. Maybe it could look something like this…

There isn’t much value added here for the Clippers, who get an aging Frye on an expiring contract and Osman instead of Zizic. I believe Osman offers more long-term upside, so there’s a sliver more value there. Either way, it’s ideal to make one move instead of two, allowing both teams to get what they want without over-complicating things.

Next: NBA trade rumors: 7 potential Kemba Walker trades

It’s anyone’s guess what will happen between now and the deadline. Chances are, though, there will be plenty of discussion between the Cavaliers and Clippers.