Does this trade make sense for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Given Fedor’s report on the Cleveland Cavaliers not seeking a Larry Nance Jr. trade and the fact that they would want a lot in return for him, it seems very unlikely that the Boston Celtics could supply the Cavaliers with an offer that would be enticing enough for them to trade Nance Jr.
Kris Dunn would not really be a player the Cavs would/should be interested in since they just got Ricky Rubio from the Timberwolves and while Aaron Nesmith would surely be a solid addition for their bench and young core, they do not really need him.
Cleveland is in an intriguing position as a franchise because while they still have a lot of developing to do with their young talents, it is not out of the question that they could come close to making the play-in tournament this year.
Since the 9-seed and 10-seed both have a chance to fight for a playoff spot, the Cavaliers could realistically look to improve from 22-wins last year to 30+ wins this year. Now, they would likely have to get to at least 35-wins to contend for one of these play-in tournament spots, but they are definitely an improved team from last season and could surprise a lot of people this year with their young, talented core.
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Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are going to make up a really strong defensive frontcourt and Isaac Okoro, Darius Garland and Collin Sexton are only going to get better offensively, which is why the Cavs really have no need to trade Larry Nance Jr. He could serve as a key “sixth-man” for them in their frontcourt, so unless they get a really good trade proposal for him, they are not going to be giving him up for some young players and a draft pick or two.
I am not saying Cleveland is a real threat for the play-in tournament, because they are not as of right now, but they are only going to get better in time and if things click early on for them, they could actually make a little bit of noise near the bottom of the Eastern Conference against other teams fighting for one of these play-in tournament spots.
