2018 NBA Draft: 3 options for Cleveland Cavaliers with Brooklyn Nets’ pick
After keeping the pick through the trade deadline, who could the Cleveland Cavaliers be targeting with the Brooklyn Nets’ lottery selection during the 2018 NBA Draft?
There are so many ways the upcoming offseason could play out for the Cleveland Cavaliers. On one hand, LeBron James could stay, and the front office could continue building around him. On the other, he could jump ship, triggering a rebuild the likes of which they haven’t seen since 2010.
No matter what happens, the Cavaliers could be faced with a difficult decision during the 2018 NBA Draft. The big problem is determining what their incoming Brooklyn Nets pick is used for. Since free agency comes after the draft, will they be selecting James’ eventual replacement or adding a complementary piece to ensure their continued “contender” status?
Regardless of what the answer to that question is, they’re sure to have some tempting scenarios to ponder. The 2018 draft class is one of the most top-loaded in recent years, featuring 4-5 players who have the makings of elite talents. So the other question remains as to where the Cavaliers will pick? Depending on the final standings as well as the lottery, they could land anywhere in the top half of the lottery.
Let’s assume for now, though, that they end up somewhere in the 4-6 range.
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Now that we’ve got that figured out, let’s take a look at a few targets for the Cavaliers with the Nets’ first round pick during the 2018 NBA Draft. The cards could be dealt in so many ways, but it doesn’t hurt to put together some early speculation on the potential outcome.