Will they trade the pick? That is the question many have been asking almost since the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired the Brooklyn Nets 2018 first round pick in the Kyrie Irving trade.
It’s mostly been looked at as an insurance policy if LeBron leaves. But it is also an opportunity for the Cavaliers to add talent ahead of a potential fourth straight Finals meeting against the Golden State Warriors.
During an appearance on ESPN’s Outside The Lines, Adrian Wojnarowski said that his sources indicate the Cavs will not move the Brookyln pick for DeAndre Jordan. Their own first round pick, perhaps. But for the Brooklyn pick to be moved it will need to be a player that truly puts the Cavs “over the top,” something Jordan really doesn’t do against the versatile Warriors.
Of course, that begs the question, which other stars could be in play? Oklahoma City surged recently but just suffered a home blowout loss to the Portland Trail Blazers who were without Damian Lillard.
After the game, Russell Westbrook left before speaking to reporters. If the OKC brass feels as though their team cannot win a championship and thus cannot convince soon-to-be free agent Paul George to stay, George could become available. The Thunder also have a history of trying to extract value before it becomes too late (see: Ibaka and Harden trades).
George, although not named by Woj, is exactly the type of player the Cavs would be willing to trade the pick for. He would instantly help them on both ends. With the trade deadline coming a week earlier, the pressure will be on teams like Oklahoma City to make decisions sooner.
But if the Thunder continue to play well and the Portland loss is just a bump in the road, they could easily keep the band together and risk losing George for nothing on the very outside chance they can beat Golden State. And if an opportunity doesn’t come available, the Cavs will likely keep the pick.
