The Cleveland Cavaliers are still searching for an answer on the wing. Sometimes, thinking outside the box is required.
The Cavs looked like they were in business. They were going to replace Max Strus with LeBron James and take over the Eastern Conference as the new team to beat. James had other plans. He chose Philadelphia as where he’ll perhaps wind down his iconic career. So, where does that leave Cleveland?
The franchise needs to make a risky but game changing move if it wants to have a better shot at doing what the New York Knicks did in June. Cleveland made the conference finals last season, but it was clear the team was still a piece or two away from taking the next step.
Guess what, Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell won’t be in his prime forever.
The Super Bold Cavaliers Trade Idea That Lands OG Anunoby
GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JUNE 13: Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks warms up prior to Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Cavs already have the roster construction in place to put their starting small forward in position to thrive. A star backcourt featuring Mitchell and James Harden, and a star frontcourt consisting of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. But what if Cleveland broke up that formidable frontcourt for a two-way star who could give them plenty of defensive value while taking the offense to another level? Insert Knicks star OG Anunoby.
In a wild hypothetical scenario, the Cavs, Knicks and Raptors come together to discuss a three-team trade that moves multiple stars around and makes each team better in many interesting ways. Here’s a proposed framework that sends Anunoby to Cleveland and Mobley to New York.
Cavs receive: OG Anunoby, 2027 second round pick and a 2028 first round pick
Knicks receive: Evan Mobley and RJ Barrett
Raptors receive: Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges and two second round picks
It is important to note that this trade is hypothetical and intended as a fun — and completely legal! — suggestion. So, why might all three teams agree to this trade? Let’s dive in.
Why Cleveland, New York and Toronto Say Yes
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 23: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball against Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 23, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
For the Cavs, yes, it is tough to exchange a 25-year-old All-Star and All-NBA performer in Mobley for Anunoby, who is a few years older and hasn’t been named an All-Star even once. But the key here is to look at what Cleveland needs to win a championship with a core led by Mitchell and Harden.
Inserting Anunoby gives Cleveland an elite defender, maybe not quite as good as Mobley, a former Defensive Player of the Year, but still someone who earned All-Defensive team honors last season. The upside is what Anunoby can bring offensively. Although Mobley averaged more points than Anunoby, one was his team’s third scoring option while the other had to share the ball with three other scorers. Anunoby’s ability to create his own shot and hit 3-pointers at a high clip will greatly elevate the level of offense Harden and Mitchell can generate as playmakers.
Do Cleveland fans feel better about their chances with a lineup featuring Harden, Mitchell, Anunoby and Allen?
For New York, there is so much to love about this trade. After losing Mitchell Robinson in free agency, the Knicks were left without a back up big man. With Mobley inserted, New York would have a true starting center, allowing Karl-Anthony Towns to play power forward full time. He is more comfortable when he doesn’t have to play center.
The Knicks would also welcome back Barrett, a consistent 18-21 point-per-game scorer who could bring the offensive impact Anunoby provided within their system while giving them a strong off-ball defender on the other end.
The Knicks may not look to trade any core piece this offseason. They shouldn’t. Not after winning a championship. If New York fails to defend its title, making a trade like this would be a highly intriguing option.
Say the Knicks don’t win the title next season … how far does a lineup featuring Jalen Brunson, Barrett, Josh Hart, Towns and Mobley take the Knicks in the 2027-28 season?
Now for Toronto. Moving Barrett for two players and two picks is strong value. Plus, Bridges, a career 37 percent 3-point shooter, would be a cleaner fit alongside Scottie Barnes (and Kawhi Leonard?).
So, would this wild four-team trade work out for everyone?
Cavaliers 3-Team Trade Pitch Lands OG Anunoby in Major Deal for Evan Mobley