Knicks fan: Cavs trade package for DeAndre Jordan and Patrick Beverley
I am a Knicks fan and a huge LeBron James supporter. Contrary to the popular opinion, I believe that LeBron should stay in Cleveland. The way I look at it, remaining in Cleveland is the best situation for his family, his legacy, and his chances of making it to the NBA Finals consistently. "Ring chasing" may only hurt his position in the greatest of all time conversation while not necessarily guaranteeing more rings. Still, there is a very good chance that LeBron leaves and the Cavaliers should have their hands full trying to convince him to stay. I believe that their pitch should begin before free agency opens on July 1st and even before next Thursday's NBA Draft. Below is a trade that I think could significantly move the needle for the Cavaliers and help them keep King James in northeast Ohio.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Los Angeles Clippers Trade
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: C DeAndre Jordan, PG Patrick Beverley
Los Angeles Clippers receive: 2018 No. 8 pick, PG George Hill, SG JR Smith
Analysis
With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin now gone and the Clippers heading toward a rebuild, it is likely that DeAndre Jordan will walk for nothing in free agency either this year or the next, unless he is traded. This trade would require Jordan to opt in to his contract for 2018-19, but it shouldn't be a hard-sell as it is a win for him and Beverley, providing them both the opportunity to leave LA and compete for a title in Cleveland if LeBron chooses to stay. The move vastly improves the Cavaliers on the defensive side of the ball. Giving them two former All-Defensive team players; one on the perimeter and one near the rim. It also gives Cleveland more weapons offensively as DeAndre Jordan is a more effective rim-runner than Tristan Thompson or Larry Nance Jr. and Patrick Beverley is as good an off-ball shooter as George Hill and JR Smith.
The trade is risky for Cleveland given Beverley’s season-ending knee surgery last year and it may give fans flashbacks to Isaiah Thomas, however the former has already been cleared for basketball activities and will be available at the beginning of the season (not to mention he is on a very team friendly deal for next year). Furthermore, the Cavaliers have to risk it all rather than see the best player in the world leave them once again. The deal would even open up almost $30M in cap space for the Cavaliers next summer, should they elect to renounce DeAndre Jordan's cap hold. Thus, enabling them to add another star in 2019.
As for the Clippers, they will be taking back some bad money but George Hill’s contract is only partially guaranteed ($1.0M) in 2019-20, as is JR’s ($3.9M). Smith and Hill can also serves as mentors while the 8th pick would give the Clippers 3 lottery picks in a talented 2018 draft. They could elect to use all three or package some combination of them for a higher pick. Los Angeles may be hesitant to make this trade with plans to make a playoff push next season, but this deal is one that sets them up with multiple assets and a bright future going into a rebuild. They are unlikely to compete at the highest level in the near future and that may not be enough of a reason to tear it down, especially if they see themselves as a definite playoff team. But with the Lob City era almost completely at a close, it may be time to revamp with more youth.