NBA Trades: 5 blockbuster deals to move disgruntled NBA stars

NBA Trade #2

The Cavs had an amazing regular season, winning 51 games, but ultimately fell very short in the playoffs, losing in five games in a first-round series against the Knicks. With only two years guaranteed on Donovan Mitchell’s contract, Cleveland has to make a big move if they want to keep their newly acquired star around long-term.

There may be no better way to do that than adding a proven veteran like Paul George. George is entering his 14th season but is still performing at an all-star level, with averages of 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game. He would fill a huge need at the small forward position, not to mention veteran leadership for an extremely young team.

Meanwhile, Evan Mobley could slide over to the five to replace Allen, assuming he’s gained enough strength entering his third year in the league. This deal is certainly risky for Cleveland, giving up a young all-star in Allen along with two role players for the 33-year-old George, yet it may make it easier for them to sleep at night if it helps their chances of retaining Mitchell.

On the Clippers’ side of things, it seems as if the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era has run its course. Instead of keeping George and likely suffering another early playoff exit, Los Angeles could get much younger while maintaining a similar level of competitiveness. Allen is a former all-star and high-level paint protector at only 25 years old, while Levert and Okoro have both proven to be solid role players and may still have room to grow.