One Player the Cavs Could Trade For: Orlando Magic
Feb 19, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Orlando Magic shooting guard Arron Afflalo (4) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Jarrett Jack (1) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Cavaliers off-season won’t start for a little while but that doesn’t stop us from looking forward to what could happen. We will look at every team in the NBA, starting from the worst record to the best, and one player from each team that the Cavs could trade for. The player would have to be somewhat available, Kevin Durant is getting traded, a trade that would be approved by the NBA will be presented and the player would have to fit with the Cavaliers. We started with the Milwaukee Bucks’ Larry Sanders. This morning we covered the Philadelphia 76ers’ Thaddeus Young. Now we are on to the Orlando Magic:
Player – Arron Afflalo
Arron Afflalo is a high efficient multi-faceted player who is all around talented but cannot carry a team. He can play both the shooting guard and small forward positions with high value. He stands 6’5″ with a wingspan and quick feet that allow him to guard players much bigger then him. He is on his third team but as a slow developer has emerged over the last 4 seasons, 2 with the Denver Nuggets and the last 2 with the Orlando Magic. Afflalo shot 46% from the floor this past season, including 43% from the 3 point line. He also added just over 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game. He has 1 year left on his contract, for a little over $7 million and a player option for another year at the same price.
Fit With Cavaliers
The Cavs do not have a starting level small forward on the roster next year, and though better suited for the 2 spot, Afflalo could take over at the 3 easily. Afflalo gives the Cavaliers another backcourt/wing player capable of getting his shot, hitting spot up jumpers and running in transition. He adds to that stellar defense. If the Cavs sign a starting level small forward Afflalo could come off the bench and provide consistency that has been missing with the Cavs for years.
Why the Magic Could Trade Him
The Magic are still in building mode and Afflalo has a large contract, especially as he most likely will pick up his player option. The Magic have Tobias Harris and Maurice Harkless at the 3 spot with rookie Victor Oladipo most likely sliding over to the shooting guard spot in the near future, especially if the Magic get a point guard in the draft. Afflalo has been a solid veteran for the team but won’t be around in 3 seasons when the team is really ready to contend. Trading with the Cavs gets him off the books and brings back a piece or two that could help the rebuild.
Trade Proposal(s)
A trade with the Magic could be difficult. They don’t have to get rid of his contract and the Cavs to have to find a starting shooting guard. That leads to a couple proposals.
The Cleveland Cavaliers trade Scotty Hopson, Alonzo Gee and a Top 15 protected pick (Cavs, Heat, Grizzlies) in 2015 for Arron Afflalo.
or a much bigger trade:
The Cavs trade Jarrett Jack, Tristan Thompson and their own 1st round pick in 2014 for Afflalo, Andrew Nicholson and a Top 15 protected 1st round pick.
Any variation of those trades could be interesting. Upgrade from Jack with Afflalo and avoid having to make a big contract offer to Thompson while replacing him with another Canadian PF who is younger and can develop. Moving Thompson would be tough on the Cavs and probably won’t happen but options are interesting.
Result
The Magic get assets in either trade and out from money in the smaller deal. They get players in Jack and Thompson who can help the team develop with their professionalism in the latter trade while trading Nicholson, who fell out of favor, and a protected pick. Afflalo becomes a huge contributor for the Cavs in a variety of ways at multiple positions, which helps fans forget about losing the pick and Thompson. The smaller trade will be much more popular, understandably.
What do you think about Afflalo? Do you see a good fit with the Cavs? Do you worry about Thompson’s next contract or would more hate to move him?
Up Next: Utah Jazz