Trade Ideas

[ijspeelman]

Not serious about any the below but kicking around some hypotheticals:

Garland for Malik Monk, Keegan Murray+: Sacramento bites on the bigger name, the Cavs get a replacement PG who won't steal the show too much and a starting-quality versatile big wing for the rotation. Also saves some 2nd apron money. Ask for an Okoro for Keon Ellis swap to save more cash?

Mitchell for #1 and whatever salary Dallas wants to come up with (either Kyrie, or some combo of Gafford/Klay/Washington/Martin). Might work better after Flagg is signed so his salary counts in Dallas's outgoing? Cavs reset onto a Garland/Mobley/Flagg timeline, Dallas adds a top 5 MVP candidate. Assuming Dallas would pay with a collection of guys, 1-2 of them can be routed elsewhere to get the Cavs under the 2nd apron, or we bite the bullet in the short term and let guys expire.

I like the out of the box thinking.

I still am not sold on selling on our current timeline, but tough decisions will need to be made in the coming years and the second option resets the timeline to where you can continue to mold Mobley and Garland.

[toooskies]

I like the out of the box thinking.

I still am not sold on selling on our current timeline, but tough decisions will need to be made in the coming years and the second option resets the timeline to where you can continue to mold Mobley and Garland.

I'm not selling on our current timeline as much as exploring the idea of it. I tend to evaluate options before making decisions rather than rationalizing afterwards.

On the 1st one, Monk is not a PG. He may be small in stature but for sure not a point.

Of the players ahead of him in assists/36, every player is either a PG or an all-star except for one.

I don't have Monk as a PG or a starter on a playoff team.

That might be true! But he's not paid so much that starting Mitchell/Strus/(Hunter or Murray) is an insult.

If you move Garland, I think you need a real triple threat at SF. You're basically playing without a true PG which means you need three guys who can shoot, pass, and drive from 3 different areas of the court. That SF needs to be able to bring the ball up the court against ball pressure as well.

I think Monk/Mitchell/Mobley fits that requirement well enough, with Strus is a capable shoot/pass guy from another location.

The Kings trade Murray if they don't want to pay him, or be forced to pay as a RFA. Not sure it's a good idea for the Cavs to inherit that choice.

I think the Kings can be lured into chasing star power thinking it'll fix their team. I'm not worried about Murray's pay given his trajectory has flatlined. He's headed more towards very good 3-and-D trajectory rather than star. That might mean the Cavs aren't getting enough value to part with Garland.

On the 2nd one, Flagg and Mobley play the same position, so not sure I see the fit there. If it is just Kyrie back, that sucks because he has a torn ACL, after the Rubio stuff, i am good on that, even as a salary filler.

Flagg can play 3/4 the same way Mobley plays 4/5-- and down the road (if not sooner) you close with Flagg/Mobley as the bigs. (Thinking more, it's probably a post-signing deal of Flagg + Klay + one other salary, otherwise Dallas is giving up too much of their rotation.)

I'd reluctantly pull the trigger on No. 2. Mitchell saying all the right things about Cleveland would make it tough though.

I know you've been on Team Long Runway in Mobley/Giannis discussions, so I figured this would be up your alley. It wouldn't be easy to part with Mitchell given how much he means to the current era of the team but it's an easy reset button on expectations and timeline, it lets Garland and Mobley figure themselves out on their own timeline.

[JujitsuFlip]

On the 1st one, Monk is not a PG. He may be small in stature but for sure not a point.

On the 2nd one, Flagg and Mobley play the same position, so not sure I see the fit there. If it is just Kyrie back, that sucks because he has a torn ACL, after the Rubio stuff, i am good on that, even as a salary filler.

Of the players ahead of him in assists/36, every player is either a PG or an all-star except for one.


Flagg can play 3/4 the same way Mobley plays 4/5-- and down the road (if not sooner) you close with Flagg/Mobley as the bigs. (Thinking more, it's probably a post-signing deal of Flagg + Klay + one other salary, otherwise Dallas is giving up too much of their rotation.

Monk played with LaVine and DDR, of course he had to handle the ball. But at the end of the day, he's a career 3 APG guy. He's Sexton, their stature does not make them PGs.

As far as Flagg playing SF next to Mobley and Allen, idk. He can maybe play it like Markkanen did but it's not his true position. Plus ya gotta take the corpse of Klay in that scenario.

[jbk1234]

I like Murray as a defender, but I don't think we should fool ourselves into thinking he's a reliable 3-point shooter. He hasn't shot league average or better from 3 since his rookie season.

Monk's defense is passable? On a good day? I'd struggle starting either guy the Cavs are getting back over Hunter. Okoro wouldn't play in front of Murray and it would be difficult to play Okoro in the same unit with Murray.

Biting the bullet on value is one thing, but we've got to get back someone who will start over Hunter and Strus or I'm not really seeing the point.

[axeman23]

It depends on what the team's priorities are. I think Giannis would give us the best chance at a title the next two years. But the other sacrifices we'd need to make to even execute the deal (trading Garland or losing multiple guys to get under the 2nd apron) might not even make us better now.

I hate a roster of the below. For a Cavs team that has had awful injury luck 4 seasons in a row.

Mitchell/CPJ/pick #58
Strus/Okoro
Hunter/Tyson
Giannis/Wade/Okeke
Allen/pick #49

That to me is just screaming all in with no depth, gutted in 2 years, tops.

If we trade Mobley + Garland for only Giannis we will be far enough under the apron to retain at least Merrill (or use the TMLE on, say, Yabusele or Capela or Lopez or Tyus Jones). We may instead end up taking back Connaughton or Portis.

Your point mostly stands if CPJ and Tyson don’t improve much, but they’ve both flashed. Maybe one or two of Tomlin/Bates/Travers pop too. Who’d have thought Jerome and Merrill would be solid rotation players two years ago?

We'd also be CONSIDERABLY over-paying considering it would only come up if Giannis wanted out, and the other alleged offers on the table. NO interest in Giannis from me if it costs us Mobley.

[mcfly1204]

I hate a roster of the below. For a Cavs team that has had awful injury luck 4 seasons in a row.

Mitchell/CPJ/pick #58
Strus/Okoro
Hunter/Tyson
Giannis/Wade/Okeke
Allen/pick #49

That to me is just screaming all in with no depth, gutted in 2 years, tops.

If we trade Mobley + Garland for only Giannis we will be far enough under the apron to retain at least Merrill (or use the TMLE on, say, Yabusele or Capela or Lopez or Tyus Jones). We may instead end up taking back Connaughton or Portis.

Your point mostly stands if CPJ and Tyson don’t improve much, but they’ve both flashed. Maybe one or two of Tomlin/Bates/Travers pop too. Who’d have thought Jerome and Merrill would be solid rotation players two years ago?

We'd also be CONSIDERABLY over-paying considering it would only come up if Giannis wanted out, and the other alleged offers on the table. NO interest in Giannis from me if it costs us Mobley.

No one can deny Giannis's talent, but if you're trading Garland and Mobley, I just hate the fit. You have to trade Allen for a stretch 4/5 at that point, with Hunter sliding into the starting 5 next to Mitchell and Strus. If someone throws cash at Jerome this summer, that leaves you with CPJ as the primary backup creator/distributor? Yuck.

[JujitsuFlip]

https://bvmsports.com/2025/05/29/cavs-open-trade-talks-for-all-star-darius-garland-with-wolves/

I doubt the Wolves would part with Naz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/trade-idea-sees-darius-garland-145237838.html

I highly doubt the Magic would part with Suggs.

Despite neither trade seeming very realistic to me, I wonder if either makes us better.

An expiring or needing to be paid Naz is worrisome. Also taking on a 38 year old Conley, does not seem like a starter, to me. DDV is cheap and can ball handle a smidge.

For the other trade, I really doubt they surrender Suggs so not much to be said and idk anything about TDS.

[jbk1234]

https://bvmsports.com/2025/05/29/cavs-open-trade-talks-for-all-star-darius-garland-with-wolves/

I doubt the Wolves would part with Naz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/trade-idea-sees-darius-garland-145237838.html

I highly doubt the Magic would part with Suggs.

Despite neither trade seeming very realistic to me, I wonder if either makes us better.

An expiring or needing to be paid Naz is worrisome. Also taking on a 38 year old Conley, does not seem like a starter, to me. DDV is cheap and can ball handle a smidge.

For the other trade, I really doubt they surrender Suggs so not much to be said and idk anything about TDS.

I don't believe the Wolves can trade their 2030 first, Naz would have to opt in, and I can't believe the Cavs would be good taking back Conley.

As far as Suggs, if Altman didn't learn his lesson about trading for injured players sight unseen after IT, shame on him.

[toooskies]

https://bvmsports.com/2025/05/29/cavs-open-trade-talks-for-all-star-darius-garland-with-wolves/

I doubt the Wolves would part with Naz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/trade-idea-sees-darius-garland-145237838.html

I highly doubt the Magic would part with Suggs.

Despite neither trade seeming very realistic to me, I wonder if either makes us better.

An expiring or needing to be paid Naz is worrisome. Also taking on a 38 year old Conley, does not seem like a starter, to me. DDV is cheap and can ball handle a smidge.

For the other trade, I really doubt they surrender Suggs so not much to be said and idk anything about TDS.

The Minnesota deal might be a move to fill our roster before ducking the 2nd apron this year. Then give Naz a descending contract next year.

Orlando should absolutely consider Suggs for Garland-- they have a bunch of other good defensive guards like Black who can fill the defensive void. They need an offense-first playmaker guard. We need a defense-first PG.

I've been kicking around NOP deals. Murphy + Herb (+Alvarado?) for Garland (+Okoro?) works salary-wise.

[JujitsuFlip]

https://bvmsports.com/2025/05/29/cavs-open-trade-talks-for-all-star-darius-garland-with-wolves/

I doubt the Wolves would part with Naz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/trade-idea-sees-darius-garland-145237838.html

I highly doubt the Magic would part with Suggs.

Despite neither trade seeming very realistic to me, I wonder if either makes us better.

An expiring or needing to be paid Naz is worrisome. Also taking on a 38 year old Conley, does not seem like a starter, to me. DDV is cheap and can ball handle a smidge.

For the other trade, I really doubt they surrender Suggs so not much to be said and idk anything about TDS.

The Minnesota deal might be a move to fill our roster before ducking the 2nd apron this year. Then give Naz a descending contract next year.

Orlando should absolutely consider Suggs for Garland-- they have a bunch of other good defensive guards like Black who can fill the defensive void. They need an offense-first playmaker guard. We need a defense-first PG.

I've been kicking around NOP deals. Murphy + Herb (+Alvarado?) for Garland (+Okoro?) works salary-wise.

But do you think either trade has legs or just chatter? Both seem like nothing burgers to me.

That Pelicans trade would be awesome but idk if Pels would part with both guys. And i assume we move Mitchell to 1 in that scenario, right?

[JonFromVA]

https://bvmsports.com/2025/05/29/cavs-open-trade-talks-for-all-star-darius-garland-with-wolves/

I doubt the Wolves would part with Naz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/trade-idea-sees-darius-garland-145237838.html

I highly doubt the Magic would part with Suggs.

Despite neither trade seeming very realistic to me, I wonder if either makes us better.

An expiring or needing to be paid Naz is worrisome. Also taking on a 38 year old Conley, does not seem like a starter, to me. DDV is cheap and can ball handle a smidge.

For the other trade, I really doubt they surrender Suggs so not much to be said and idk anything about TDS.

I don't believe the Wolves can trade their 2030 first, Naz would have to opt in, and I can't believe the Cavs would be good taking back Conley.

As far as Suggs, if Altman didn't learn his lesson about trading for injured players sight unseen after IT, shame on him.

Let me simplify that for you ... we have no business trading Garland for a player with an even worse history of injuries.

If I have to bet on health, I'd rather just keep what Garland can do when healthy.

[jbk1234]

https://bvmsports.com/2025/05/29/cavs-open-trade-talks-for-all-star-darius-garland-with-wolves/

I doubt the Wolves would part with Naz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/trade-idea-sees-darius-garland-145237838.html

I highly doubt the Magic would part with Suggs.

Despite neither trade seeming very realistic to me, I wonder if either makes us better.

An expiring or needing to be paid Naz is worrisome. Also taking on a 38 year old Conley, does not seem like a starter, to me. DDV is cheap and can ball handle a smidge.

For the other trade, I really doubt they surrender Suggs so not much to be said and idk anything about TDS.

I don't believe the Wolves can trade their 2030 first, Naz would have to opt in, and I can't believe the Cavs would be good taking back Conley.

As far as Suggs, if Altman didn't learn his lesson about trading for injured players sight unseen after IT, shame on him.

Let me simplify that for you ... we have no business trading Garland for a player with an even worse history of injuries.

If I have to bet on health, I'd rather just keep what Garland can do when healthy.

I absolutely agree.

[mcfly1204]

I don't get the interest in Suggs. Even if you can look past the injury history, he's a below average shooter, below average creator, outside of his defense, there's not much to love there. If Orland has any interest in a Garland for Franz swap, I'd pick up the phone.

[jbk1234]

I don't get the interest in Suggs. Even if you can look past the injury history, he's a below average shooter, below average creator, outside of his defense, there's not much to love there. If Orland has any interest in a Garland for Franz swap, I'd pick up the phone.

If you trade Garland for Franz, you absolutely have to move Allen as well in order to save your floor spacing

[mcfly1204]

I don't get the interest in Suggs. Even if you can look past the injury history, he's a below average shooter, below average creator, outside of his defense, there's not much to love there. If Orland has any interest in a Garland for Franz swap, I'd pick up the phone.

If you trade Garland for Franz, you absolutely have to move Allen as well in order to save your floor spacing

With that logic, you're trading Allen either way. That said, I'd much prefer a 3/4 who shoots below average from 3, as opposed to a combo guard with similar effectiveness from behind the arc.

[jbk1234]

I don't get the interest in Suggs. Even if you can look past the injury history, he's a below average shooter, below average creator, outside of his defense, there's not much to love there. If Orland has any interest in a Garland for Franz swap, I'd pick up the phone.

If you trade Garland for Franz, you absolutely have to move Allen as well in order to save your floor spacing

With that logic, you're trading Allen either way. That said, I'd much prefer a 3/4 who shoots below average from 3, as opposed to a combo guard with similar effectiveness from behind the arc.

I'm all the way out on Suggs. It's not something I'd consider.

[mcfly1204]

If you trade Garland for Franz, you absolutely have to move Allen as well in order to save your floor spacing

With that logic, you're trading Allen either way. That said, I'd much prefer a 3/4 who shoots below average from 3, as opposed to a combo guard with similar effectiveness from behind the arc.

I'm all the way out on Suggs. It's not something I'd consider.

I see him more as a Derrick White that a contender trades a 1st for in a couple of years, as opposed to someone you trade an All-Star for today. I get your point on Franz, but I he'd be worth that risk imo.

[jbk1234]

https://bvmsports.com/2025/05/29/cavs-open-trade-talks-for-all-star-darius-garland-with-wolves/

I doubt the Wolves would part with Naz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/trade-idea-sees-darius-garland-145237838.html

I highly doubt the Magic would part with Suggs.

Despite neither trade seeming very realistic to me, I wonder if either makes us better.

An expiring or needing to be paid Naz is worrisome. Also taking on a 38 year old Conley, does not seem like a starter, to me. DDV is cheap and can ball handle a smidge.

For the other trade, I really doubt they surrender Suggs so not much to be said and idk anything about TDS.

The Minnesota deal might be a move to fill our roster before ducking the 2nd apron this year. Then give Naz a descending contract next year.

Orlando should absolutely consider Suggs for Garland-- they have a bunch of other good defensive guards like Black who can fill the defensive void. They need an offense-first playmaker guard. We need a defense-first PG.

I've been kicking around NOP deals. Murphy + Herb (+Alvarado?) for Garland (+Okoro?) works salary-wise.

Murphy is one of the few players I'd actually consider trading Garland for.

[JonFromVA]

I don't get the interest in Suggs. Even if you can look past the injury history, he's a below average shooter, below average creator, outside of his defense, there's not much to love there. If Orland has any interest in a Garland for Franz swap, I'd pick up the phone.

If you trade Garland for Franz, you absolutely have to move Allen as well in order to save your floor spacing

There's a chance Wagner gets his 3pt shooting straightened out, but again not the sort of thing I like having to bet on when giving up a player of Garland's caliber.

[jbk1234]

I don't get the interest in Suggs. Even if you can look past the injury history, he's a below average shooter, below average creator, outside of his defense, there's not much to love there. If Orland has any interest in a Garland for Franz swap, I'd pick up the phone.

If you trade Garland for Franz, you absolutely have to move Allen as well in order to save your floor spacing

There's a chance Wagner gets his 3pt shooting straightened out, but again not the sort of thing I like having to bet on when giving up a player of Garland's caliber.

One serious concern I'd have about trading Garland to the Magic is he's perfect for them. They're a young team as well who could spend the next 5 years beating us in the playoffs if we help fix them.

As far as Franz, I think you could play him at PF. I suspect he's a more natural 4 but Banchero is in his way.