Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 options for the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft

Cleveland Cavaliers 5 options for the No. 3 pick: 5. Trade back

The Cleveland Cavaliers might have a different evaluation of the top prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft. They might think that the tier of top prospects is larger than most, extending to include players such as Jonathan Kuminga or Scottie Barnes. If so, they could trade down, pick up another premium asset, and still take a player high on their board.

Jonathan Kuminga was once in the mix for the top pick, but an inconsistent season with the G league Ignite has him sliding down draft boards. The 6’7″ forward is one of the draft’s youngest players and still boasts phenomenal upside. If the Cavaliers were confident in him realizing that upside, he could very well be available at No. 6 if they traded down with Oklahoma City.

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Another option is Florida State freshman Scottie Barnes. He has incredible size and strength at 6’9″ with an insane 7’3″ wingspan, and he can and did defend everything from speedy point guards to centers. Offensively Barnes’ shot looks broken, but it’s possible he makes a high enough impact without it. He can pass, he can score inside and he is one of this draft’s best defenders. Taking No. 5 and No. 8 from the Orlando Magic in exchange for No. 3 is a really good value if they rank the players available similarly.

Trading down isn’t a no-brainer, and in the NBA it’s more important to get a star than two lesser players. Trading down can absolutely work out, but it could also leave you with egg on your face as a front office if the player you could have chosen turns into a star.

It’s not the first option the Cavaliers need to consider, but it’s an option and a conversation to be had. Whether the team looks to make a trade or take an incredible young player, the Cavaliers are in a position of strength heading into the draft on Thursday.