The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 3-2 series lead over the Detroit Pistons. They did so by coming back after Detroit missed its final nine shots in regulation. Now, Cleveland has to win just one more game before they make the Eastern Conference Finals.
If they do lose the next two games, however, the team could undergo a major change. The roster will likely be dismantled in some way, and that could mean they make a big trade. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a name that has come up as one the Cavaliers could pursue.
A trade proposal from Bleacher Report would see the Cavs give up a coveted young player in exchange for him.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Cavaliers Trade Former Top Pick For Giannis Antetokounmpo in Bold Trade Idea
Here is the full trade scenario:
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Evan Mobley, Sam Merrill, 2026 No. 29
This would allow Milwaukee to rebuild around Mobley and reset its identity. Mobley, who isn’t much of a shooter, should thrive next to Myles Turner, who is a good 3-point shooter. That would be a reason that Milwaukee would do this trade.
For the Cavaliers, bringing in Antetokounmpo makes them a much more dangerous team. His ability to score the ball, especially in transition, is something they lack. He is also still a very good defensive player, so they wouldn’t lose much on that end of the court.
With the way the rest of the roster is constructed, Cleveland is built to win now. They have the most expensive roster in the NBA. This trade wouldn’t do much to alleviate that. Cleveland would also likely immediately extend Antetokounmpo’s contract as soon as the trade is complete.
Assuming they keep James Harden, running a pick-and-roll with Antetokounmpo would be extremely tough to stop. The only downside to this trade would be having two non-shooting big men on the court at the same time, as Jarrett Allen doesn’t shoot from outside 10 feet.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley celebrates in a game. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cleveland Could Opt to Keep the Band Together
This trade likely only happens if the Cavaliers disappoint in the next two games against the Pistons. If they make the Eastern Conference Finals, Koby Altman might opt to keep the band together. Of course, that is contingent on how they would look against the Knicks.
Winning a title would change the calculus on making titles, too. If the Cavs win it all, they will keep Mobley at all costs. That would require beating likely either Oklahoma City or San Antonio, which would be a tall task. That would empower Dan Gilbert to pay an even more robust luxury tax bill to keep the team together.
How the Cavaliers finish against the Pistons will be a real bellwether as to what the offseason looks like for Cleveland. Antetokounmpo will have plenty of suitors, so the Cavaliers would have to come out with their best offer to land him if that’s the direction they choose to go.
Cavaliers Give up Highly-Coveted Player in Proposed Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo