LeBron James: 6 trades Cleveland Cavs must consider with or without LBJ

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on in the second half against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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A bad contract to move up in the draft

If the Cavs sense James is leaving, the team should explore moving up in the NBA Draft.

Owner Dan Gilbert can improve its draft spot by four spaces but taking on the contract of Chandler Parsons, who’s missed 94 games over the past two seasons.

Memphis would receive the eighth pick and George Hill, a player who still earns a high salary, but can at least be counted on to play.

Cleveland could keep him on the roster, or buy him out. Without LeBrn, it won’t make much of a difference.

The determining factor will be whether Cleveland believes it can get the player it wants at No. 8. There’s talk about Colin Sexton impressing owner Dan Gilbert, and he may be a very good player, but not necessarily a budding superstar.

The fourth pick puts the Cavs in play to get a difference maker, whether with be DeAndre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley or Michael Porter.

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