5 players for Cleveland Cavaliers to target at trade deadline

5. Courtney Lee

The Dallas Mavericks are on the brink of reaching the postseason for the first time since the 2015-16 season. The only thing standing in their way is a devastating injury to their starting center, Dwight Powell.

Powell was averaging 9.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as the team’s anchor in the paint. The Mavericks have made it clear that replacing his production is one of their main goals at the deadline.

The Cavaliers could satisfy Dallas’ need for an experienced big man with Tristan Thompson. TT has been having a career year and would bring a ton of energy to the Mavericks frontcourt.

In order to make this work, the Mavericks would likely be willing to send Courtney Lee and perhaps a draft pick. Lee is a 34-year-old veteran who has only appeared in 10 games this season as he currently does not fit with the Mavs roster.

The Cavs are in need of additional 3-point shooters to give their offense more spacing. Lee has shot above 40 percent from deep a total of six times in his career and would provide a consistent stroke for the Cavaliers.

Most importantly, Lee and Thompson are both on expiring contracts. This means that at the season’s end, both the Mavericks and Cavaliers will have the freedom to do as they please with Thompson and Lee.

In this deal, the Mavs get what they need to secure a playoff spot and the Cavs receive some quick help on the perimeter.