Cleveland Cavaliers: Trading up in NBA Draft a worthy option

Trading up in the NBA Draft might be a worthy option for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The 2020 NBA Draft is loaded with uncertainty and teams are acting like it, and that includes the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It’s now being reported the Wolves are seeking a trade. Minnesota has the No. 1 pick, but is rumored to be considered trading down or even out of the draft. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote the Wolves may be looking for a player more suited to help the team win now.

The same line-of thinking is being applied to the Warriors. Golden State will welcome back Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green next season. Room for a developmental 19-year-old isn’t exactly a priority for the Splash Bros.

That leaves the Cavs. It’s been rumored they don’t want the fifth pick, considering how the roster is already filled with four first-rounders from the past two drafts.

An executive from another team told reporter Sam Amico the following regarding the Cavs’ draft lot:

"“They don’t want that draft pick,” the executive said. “I don’t know that for certainty — but I’ve spoken to enough people over there that I know they don’t really want to bring in another young unknown.”"

The exec continued, “I strongly believe they will end up trading it.”

The executive’s initial statement leaves some room for interpretation. What if the Cavs believe a better bet is available with the first or second pick. Perhaps trading up is on the table.

Cleveland would certainly be able to offer an attractive package to move up if there’s a player they really like, starting with the fifth pick. Plus, rumors that the team will part ways with either Darius Garland or Collin Sexton continue to float around.

I can’t but help to think of what Brian Windhorst said last summer regarding the team’s interest in Memphis center James Wiseman. The long-time scribe argued that Cleveland traded for Andre Drummond to get an idea of what it would look like to have Wiseman in their lineup.

Drummond is expected to opt into his $28 million contract for this season, but he’ll likely be gone after the 2020-2021 campaign when he hits free agency.

As for where the Cavs currently sit, follow the mantra of “Different day, new rumor.” Dayton big man Obi Toppin is still reportedly being considered, while Deni Avdija is routinely mocked to Cleveland.