This is shaping up to be a busy summer in the NBA with the inevitable Giannis Antetokounmpo trade likely coming after the Finals wrap up. That could be the first domino in what is a transaction-heavy offseason. It remains to be seen what role the Cleveland Cavaliers will play in that busy summer.
The Cavs don’t have many assets they could send out to help boost them into the championship-level tier. One of the players they could dangle in trades is 24-year-old Evan Mobley.
The front office has indicated that Mobley is not on the trade block. While that may be true for the time being, we know that things can change quickly in the NBA.
Earlier this week, we asked Cavs’ fans whether or not they’d be open to trading Mobley for a short-term upgrade. Players like Giannis, Jaylen Brown, and Jaylen Williams were given as examples of players Mobley could be traded for.
According to those surveyed, most would prefer to stick with Mobley.
This is an understandable position to take. Mobley has proven to be an All-NBA player and Defensive Player of the Year, while still having the potential to develop further. There’s a world where Mobley evolves into a top 10-15 player.
At the same time, the Cavs’ window to win a championship is narrow after trading Darius Garland for James Harden. There’s a two to three-year time frame that you could realistically hope to compete. Moving Mobley for someone who gives them a better chance to win now isn’t the craziest idea.
Right now, it appears that the New York Knicks are going to win the NBA Finals. FanDuel has them listed as -500 to prevail with their 3-1 lead. The San Antonio Spurs are -5.5 to win Game 5 on Saturday evening.
