The Cleveland Cavaliers have established themselves as the top team in the NBA but are not without their challenges. A wave of recent injuries has prompted head coach Kenny Atkinson to push the limits of Cleveland’s rotations, forcing him to delve deep into his bench and frequently rely on veteran big man Tristan Thompson.
In a recent victory against the Phoenix Suns, Thompson, 33, stepped up big time, playing a season-high 25 minutes off the bench. He delivered a standout performance, racking up 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and even blocking a shot, showcasing why he’s still can play when his number is called.
Before this game, Thompson had only surpassed 20 minutes of play once this season, making his contribution against the Suns all the more remarkable.
“How about TT,” Atkinson said. “Amazing screen setting, rebounding. The guy hasn’t played in forever and comes in and plays like that. [It’s] really a testament to our depth.”
Thompson has risen to the occasion during Cleveland’s injury-plagued stretch. However, it’s important to recognize that maintaining this level of performance may be challenging due to his body’s wear and tear. The Cavaliers need additional support in their frontcourt to ease Cleveland’s issues, especially if Thompson ever loses a step.
Complicating matters, the Cavaliers find themselves in a tricky financial situation as contenders. With Cleveland, just $1.7 million shy of the luxury tax threshold, their capacity to strengthen the roster through trades is somewhat restricted.
To address these challenges, Sam Vecenie, an NBA insider at The Athletic, has proposed a trade. The deal meets the Cavaliers’ pressing needs and provides them with the financial flexibility necessary to move forward. Cleveland could consider it leading up to the annual NBA Trade Deadline.
How can the Cavaliers improve their depth without breaking the bank?
As the NBA Trade Deadline approaches, Vecenie’s trade proposal is making waves—one that involves Cleveland, the Golden State Warriors, and the Washington Wizards. Here’s a breakdown of the potential deal:
- Cleveland receives: Kevon Looney
- Washington receives: Isaac Okoro, 2025 second-round pick (via Miami, top 38 protected), 2027 second-round pick (via Cleveland, unprotected)
- Golden State receives: Anthony Gill
This proposed trade has a bittersweet edge for the Cavaliers. However, Cleveland can extricate itself from the luxury tax this year by sending Isaac Okoro—once a top-five pick and now one of their most reliable defenders in exchange for Looney.
This move also positions them to avoid the dreaded repeater tax next season while freeing up some funds, which could be crucial for retaining key bench players.
The financial flexibility gained from trading Okoro could allow the Cavaliers to bring back fan favorites like Caris LeVert, Sam Merrill, and Ty Jerome, all of whom play pivotal roles in Atkinson’s system.
While parting ways with Okoro is a tough pill for the Cavaliers, it’s a reality they may have to face. To secure their position as a championship contender, they must navigate the complexities of maintaining a top-heavy roster—even if it means making difficult decisions like this.
Would Cleveland agree to trade Isaac Okoro to obtain Kevon Looney leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline?
While Okoro may not light up the scoreboard—averaging career-low points in the fewest minutes he’s ever played—his actual value goes far beyond those numbers. Simply acquiring a player like Looney would fall short of effectively addressing the Cavaliers’ big-man needs.
Okoro’s real strength lies in his tenacity on defense. Night after night, he dedicates himself to shutting down the opposition’s top perimeter scorer, disrupting their offensive flow and making it difficult for them to find their rhythm. With a talented roster like Cleveland’s featuring scoring powerhouses who can carry the offensive load, Okoro isn’t required to be a primary scorer.
However, the Cavaliers need to bolster their support for Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley while freeing up some financial space. They shouldn’t settle for a mediocre trade return for Okoro. A better fit, such as bringing back Larry Nance Jr. from the Atlanta Hawks, should be a more serious option.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers are searching for a reliable big man for emergency situations. Thompson is stepping into that role right now, no doubt, but Cleveland shouldn’t have to pay a premium for a younger, slightly improved version of him.
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Cavaliers Trade Proposal Meets Pressing Needs Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline