NBA Trade Deadline 2018: 5 teams that could really use Julius Randle

There are two paths in front of the Cleveland Cavaliers right now — make a deal to keep LeBron James happy, or hedge your bets and start preparing for him to leave this summer. This veteran roster has already been talking to the media about how they need help and it’s hard to imagine the team not doing everything they can to hold on to LeBron for as long as possible. Interestingly, a trade here for Julius Randle might accomplish both goals.

The Cavaliers could send Channing Frye and the Brooklyn Nets pick (currently slotted for No. 6 by 538’s projections) to the Lakers for Randle and Larry Nance Jr. For Los Angeles, they get cap space from Frye’s expiring contract and a back-up in case their own first round pick this year ends up getting conveyed to Boston (which it will if it’s between No. 2 – 5).

Randle and Nance are both power forwards, somewhat redundant on this Cavaliers roster, and both provide more scoring than defense. However, they are young, energetic and versatile. They could bring some enthusiasm and skill to this roster as Cleveland pushes for another title. Also, if LeBron does decide to leave this summer, Randle could be re-signed and Nance has another year on his deal. It’s not quite as valuable as what the Cavs could theoretically land with the Nets pick, but it might be an interesting way to split the difference.