Cavs Trade Big Board: Giannis, LeBron among potential targets mentioned

The Cavaliers have repeatedly signaled they’d like to keep their core intact, but that hasn’t stopped speculation about potential offseason upgrades.

In a recent piece for Cavs on SI, Nick Pedone examined several players who could land on Cleveland’s trade radar as president of basketball operations Koby Altman evaluates ways to improve a roster that reached the Eastern Conference finals before being swept by the Knicks.

At the top of Pedone’s list was Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While multiple reports have suggested Cleveland may be reluctant to part with Evan Mobley in a blockbuster deal, Pedone noted that acquiring Antetokounmpo would immediately place the Cavs in win-bigger-now mode and give them one of the league’s most dominant players.

LeBron James was another name highlighted by Pedone.

The possibility of a third stint in Cleveland continues to generate discussion around the NBA, particularly as James approaches free agency. Pedone suggested that a lineup featuring James alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden would give the Cavs another proven postseason leader and championship voice.

And frankly, that part isn’t really up for debate. We’ve all already seen LeBron’s championship mindset. But there are lots of hurdles with that one.

On a more realistic front, Pedone pointed to Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III as a player who could address the Cavs’ long-standing need for size and versatility on the perimeter. Murphy has frequently surfaced in speculation involving New Orleans and would fit neatly alongside the Cavs’ star backcourt.

Finally, Pedone also mentioned Bucks big man Bobby Portis as a potential target. Portis would provide toughness, floor spacing and frontcourt depth behind Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Whether the Cavs actually pursue any of those names remains to be seen. But as Pedone wrote, the expectation remains that Altman and the Cavs will at least explore ways to improve a team that believes it is much closer to a championship than its playoff exit may have indicated.

It just, again, will need to make all the right moves.