The Cleveland Cavaliers were bounced in five games by the Indiana Pacers in what turned into a frustrating second-round exit after finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference. Don’t be surprised if the Cavs undergo a major shakeup next summer.
For this scenario, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz highlighted three players as dream targets for the Cavaliers. At the top of the list is Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is back in the rumor cycle after his Bucks were eliminated by the Pacers as well.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers have one of the best trade chips in all of basketball in Evan Mobley if they want to make a run at pairing Antetokounmpo with Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Staying patient with the 23-year-old Defensive Player of the Year is likely what the Cavs will end up doing, although it would be foolish to not at least check the asking price for the two-time MVP.”
Antetokounmpo hasn’t made another deep playoff run since winning the title in 2021. Still, he averaged 33 points, 15.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists on 60.6% shooting this postseason. That’s still a player you throw it all in for and believe you can top any other offer.
However, if Cleveland looks to make a less dramatic move, Swartz included two other names on the list of dream targets. Rounding out the trio are Dorian Finney-Smith of the Los Angeles Lakers and Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons.
“If the Cavs prefer to keep the core intact and want to add some toughness and defense around the edges, more affordable options are available.
Finney-Smith would be a superb 3-and-D starting power forward if Jarrett Allen is traded and the Cavaliers move Mobley to center.
Stewart is one of the toughest players in the NBA who could start alongside Mobley or serve as a third big in this rotation.”
