NBA Free Agency: One move every team needs to make
By Tom West
Cleveland Cavaliers: Trade for Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder
We’ve got to ponder at least one big trade idea here, right?
The Cavs winning the 2016 NBA title has helped quieten the “Kevin Love needs to go now” talks. Whether or not his 9-point, 14-rebound, 3-assist, 2-steal performance in Game 7 and startling, clutch defensive stop on Stephen Curry in the final minute is enough (along with the title win) to keep him in Cleveland is another question altogether.
Simply because the Cavs won the title, it doesn’t mean their team is perfectly assembled for another championship run against a team like the Warriors or Thunder next season. If Kyrie Irving didn’t make that miraculous three-pointer over Curry and things turned out a little differently in the final minute, Cleveland could have lost and “trade Love” arguments would have intensified immediately.
And perhaps they should to an extent. Love’s defensive weaknesses can’t be ignored and if he isn’t going to be used consistently in the post and only receives so many catch-and-shoot opportunities, and doesn’t do all the little things in terms of hustle and defense that are vital when he’s playing off-ball, he isn’t worth a $113 million contract.
At the very least, new players could help the Cavs be better prepared for the spacing and speed of the Warriors or the sheer explosiveness and smaller lineups of the Thunder.
To upgrade their backcourt and solidify the wing as necessary (Richard Jefferson can’t do it all, no matter how much we want to believe he can), finally trading Love to the Celtics for Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder (other pieces may be involved) could be a brilliant move for the Cavs.
In Bradley, the Cavs have an immediate upgrade over Iman Shumpert, with more dangerous three-point shooting (36.1 percent last season), shot creation off the dribble when needed, and All-Defensive First Team talent to support LeBron on the wing.
Meanwhile, Crowder brings instant versatility and defense on a larger scale. Even as a mild three-point shooter (33.6 percent), he can do enough off the ball on offense to help, while his real impact will come on the defense. He has the length, quickness, and aggression to cover multiple positions at the perimeter. And to operate effectively in smaller lineups when LeBron moves to power forward, Crowder can use his strength to guard fours in the post and save James from as much physical wear and tear inside.
If the Cavs continue without Love, Bradley and Crowder provide a duo that immediately improves the team’s defense and versatility.
On the other hand, if they keep Love, trying to sign guys like Jared Dudley would be noteworthy, too.
Next: Los Angeles Lakers