3 teams that should try buying low with Jordan Poole trade

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

I’ve seen a Jordan Poole for Deandre Ayton trade idea bandied about but I’m not entirely convinced it solves everyone’s problems. The Warriors still have Kevon Looney and presumably would try to keep Draymond Green if they trade Poole. They already discovered that Looney and Green lineups could be exposed in the playoffs so I’m not sure adding a third big to the mix really helps things. In addition, I think the Suns might be better off with a less ball-dominant bench-scoring option.

Still, I’m going to acquiesce but throw in a third team here to satisfy my own curiosity. Let’s send Poole to the Cavs, Jarrett Allen to the Suns and Ayton back to the Warriors. The Warriors would still have the same problems to solve but the Suns get a defensive anchor to replace Ayton, one who should be much happier with the role they need him to play.

The Cavs, meanwhile, abandon their twin towers and let Evan Mobley take over as the full-time defensive anchor. (They can chase Brook Lopez in free agency for a spacier version of this year’s team if they don’t want to leave Mobley alone in the middle to bang). Then the Cavs get the third backcourt scorer and creator they desperately need, making re-signing Caris LeVert all gravy.

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