Although they have put together a monster roster with LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers could still use more shooters and a big man to protect the rim. To do that, they’d likely have to make a trade in-season.
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Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors believes Tristan Thompson is the Cavaliers’ most valuable trade asset.
"I think you’re probably Cleveland’s most valuable trade asset, Tristan. If I were David Griffin, I’d be shopping you around just to see what I can get at this point. I wouldn’t necessarily make a deal, but if someone hits me with a really nice offer, I’d pull the trigger. If Kevin Love’s a power forward, and LeBron James plays a fair amount of power forward, where are you going to end up? There’s talk that Love will play some center, but would there still be enough minutes to go around for you? If the Cavs sign you to an extension, it’ll be tougher for them to trade you because of the Poison Pill Provision (http://www.hoopsrumors.com/…). Yes, you share an agent with LeBron, but LeBron wants to win, and I think he’ll understand if we hold off on an extension for the good of the team."
Thompson could also play center and potentially begin to grow into the rim protector they need.
Thompson, still just 23 years old, averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 69.3% from the free throw line. He was originally selected by the Cavaliers with the fourth-overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. In his three-year career, he’s put up 10.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and 63.0% from the free throw line.
Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.
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