The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a bit of a disappointing start to their 2023 campaign. Following a modest 3-5 start, Cleveland is still looking to build chemistry, playing just three games with their ‘normal’ starting lineup. The Cavaliers have already battled their share of injuries to start the new season, rolling out four different starting lineups already this season.
It’s still too early to hit the panic button, especially for a team that has shown how dangerous they can be when playing together. With their big four, the Cleveland Cavaliers notched an impressive 51 wins last season.
No matter the situation, rumors will swirl around any franchise. Cleveland has reportedly made it known that several key players are available. The Cavaliers will likely not engage in any serious trade talks until further into the season. The team will have a better gauge of where they stand in terms of performance and trade interest.
It is unlikely Cleveland is willing to give up any pieces from their core in any trades. Darius Garland is under contract for the long term. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are expected to follow in receiving their respective contract extensions. Reports have shown that Jarrett Allen is available for the right price, but who else could the Cavaliers look to move?
Let’s look at the three Cleveland Cavaliers most likely to be traded this season:
Jarrett Allen
The most obvious trade candidate is the man who has garnered the most interest from teams around the NBA. Jarrett Allen has been great in Cleveland, giving the team a true post-anchor.
The one-time all-star has appeared in just three games this season, dealing with injuries to start the season.
Allen has played solid to start the season, posting averages of 12 points and 7.3 rebounds. ‘The Fro’ will continue to improve as he adjusts to the new season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been receiving calls about Jarrett Allen for some time now. The all-star caliber center could command a nice haul for the Cavaliers if they elect to move him. Cleveland will not give up their fan-favorite big for anything short of a great deal.
Caris LeVert
Caris LeVert has had a great stretch in his time for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Teams around the association have called about LeVert for the last couple of seasons.
LeVert has seen time off the bench and in the starting lineup for Cleveland, displaying great versatility. The Cavaliers have used him all over the floor and he gives the team consistent scoring and a strong defensive presence.
In seven games this season, LeVert has averaged 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists. LeVert most recently had an excellent 29-point performance off the bench in a 128-120 loss versus the Thunder.
The Cavaliers signed LeVert to a two-year, $32 million contract over the offseason. The team has the guard under contract and will not come off of him easily. Teams around the NBA will give up a good amount to add LeVert.
Isaac Okoro
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ fifth-overall pick from 2020 has been solid overall, but disappointing at times in his young NBA career.
Okoro has struggled offensively in Cleveland but has consistently given the Cavaliers an elite defender. The team frequently uses him to check the opposing team’s best player.
Isaac Okoro has seen time as a starter but has recently seen a reduced role due to the additions of Caris LeVert and Max Strus over recent seasons. In six games into his contract year, five as a starter, Okoro has posted 9.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He has also posted excellent shooting splits of 48% from the field and 40% from three.
The Auburn alum has taken a big step forward coming into the new season, adding a consistent three-point jumper to his arsenal. Isaac Okoro is another player who has garnered a good amount of interest for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It would be tough to lose the defensive presence that Okoro brings, but Cleveland could pull the trigger if they feel they are unable to resign him.
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