Cavs writer identifies two blockbuster trades Cleveland should avoid

The Cavaliers are expected to explore roster upgrades this offseason, but not every splashy move is necessarily a good one.

Daniel Fisher of Cavs on SI recently identified two hypothetical trades he believes Cleveland should avoid, and both involve some of the biggest names connected to the franchise in recent weeks.

Evan Mobley for Giannis?

According to Fisher, the Cavaliers should think twice before including Evan Mobley in any potential pursuit of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While Giannis is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s elite players, Fisher argued that trading a 24-year-old Mobley for a 31-year-old Antetokounmpo could create long-term risks for Cleveland.

Fisher noted that Mobley remains under team control for several more seasons and is still entering his prime, whereas Giannis could potentially test free agency within the next couple years depending on how his contract situation unfolds.

The broader point, Fisher suggested, is that Cleveland would be giving up one of the league’s best young building blocks for a player who may have a shorter window remaining at the top of his game.

Jarrett Allen for LeBron?

Fisher also pushed back on the idea of moving Jarrett Allen in a sign-and-trade scenario for LeBron James.

As Fisher acknowledged, the storybook appeal of a third LeBron stint in Cleveland is obvious. However, he questioned whether surrendering Allen, who remains one of the NBA’s more productive centers, would make basketball sense.

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Fisher argued that if the Cavaliers are serious about pursuing James, they should attempt to do so without sacrificing a key member of their current core.

The bigger picture

The Cavs have been linked to virtually every major rumor since their season ended, from Giannis speculation to the possibility of a LeBron reunion.

As Fisher’s column highlights, though, Cleveland’s front office faces a delicate balancing act.

The Cavs want to improve a team that reached the Eastern Conference finals, but they also have to avoid making moves that could create bigger problems down the road.

Whether fans agree with Fisher’s conclusions or not, one thing seems certain — the debate over Giannis, LeBron and the Cavs isn’t ending anytime soon.