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Cleveland Cavaliers: What is Cedi Osman worth in a trade?

By Ryan Rosko

Jan 30, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Cleveland Cavaliers logo on the shorts of Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Cavaliers 104-97. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Cleveland Cavaliers logo on the shorts of Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Cavaliers 104-97. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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To trade away the Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest trade asset in forward Cedi Osman, the return would have to be pretty special.

To keep up with the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to make at least one splashy move. How they go about doing that remains to be seen.

However, given what Cleveland has to offer, it is almost a guarantee that they would have to trade away Cedi Osman for any and all championship-contending pieces.

The expectation is that assuming Osman is still with Cleveland’s organization following the offseason, that he will be playing for the Cavaliers in the fall. Still, that is a long’s way to go.

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For those unaware, Cleveland acquired Osman’s rights in a 2015 draft night trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for point guard Tyus Jones. Osman has been playing in the Euroleague for the Anadolu Efes.

Osman is just 22 years old and according to basketball-reference.com, is a career 35.6 percent three-point shooter. The potential and ceiling is high for Osman. If he were to play for Cleveland this fall, he could potentially start at shooting guard. If that were to happen, the Cavs could then deal fellow guards J.R. Smith or Iman Shumpert.

Personally, I do not want to see Cleveland give up Osman in a trade package for anything less than an all-star. That means he would have to be part of a trade that involved one of their big men. Some have leaned or strongly preferred to give up power forward Kevin Love.

Others side with dealing power forward/center Tristan Thompson. Between the two, I don’t hesitate saying trade Thompson.

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By dealing away Love, the “big three” does not stay in tact. In addition, trading away the former UCLA product essentially means that Cleveland gave up small forward Andrew Wiggins for more unknowns.

If Osman and Thompson are discussed for an all-star, whether that be Indiana Pacers forward Paul George, or someone else, Osman would be viewed as a first round pick. For some teams, Osman could be worth more to them.

Let’s say the Cavaliers made a trade for George involving Osman. What it comes down to is the belief that they will win another championship as long as they give up Osman.

The Cleveland Indians did the same thing when they went all in last season trading for reliever Andrew Miller. Among the players they dealt were two promising players, but the trade has been a win-win for both teams.

The saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is exactly what Cleveland is faced with. Would the Cavaliers really trade away Osman for anything less than an all-star?

Or are they invested in him enough to keep him and are poised to deal others instead? The same came be said from other teams. Maybe some value Osman more and Cleveland could trade him and a player(s) of less talent to land their guy.

Next: Kyrie tired of being in LBJ's shadow?


Oh, the possibilities. Whatever Cleveland decides to do this offseason, you can count on Osman being involved in some way.

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