A new rumor reveals how much it would cost the Cleveland Cavaliers to make a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, and the front office should make it happen.
After blowing a 2-0 lead and surviving the seven-game series against the Toronto Raptors, the Cavaliers will look to pick up a road win in Game 2 of their series against the Detroit Pistons tonight. Their performance against the Raptors and their 111–101 Game 1 loss has NBA analysts not confident that the Cavs will upset the No. 1 seed Pistons in this series.
That's why there's already speculation about what the Cavaliers will do this summer. While James Harden is enjoying his time in Cleveland, many expect him to opt out of the final year of his deal to receive a new multi-year contract from the Cavs or the highest bidder. There are also rumors that if Donovan Mitchell does not sign an extension this offseason, the team could consider trading him with one year left on his deal.
Even if Mitchell returns, this is an expensive roster that has never gone beyond the second round of the playoffs. If they don't upset Detroit, change is coming, and it could be in the form of a trade for Milwaukee Bucks veteran Giannis Antetokounmpo. But does Cleveland have the trade chips to make a deal? It appears that they do.
Cleveland Cavaliers trade cost for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Marc Stein reports, "The Cavaliers contacted the Bucks about Giannis before the deadline and were told it would take Evan Mobley and all of Cleveland's available draft capital to make it happen." "It's a business creation that Mobley's leaders would probably scoff at, but it's a move that no shortage of rival executives I've discussed it with have said they would do."
Giving up future draft picks (perhaps more than five) for an aging great who is having trouble staying healthy is a huge risk. However, in an era where you can't trade first-round picks in consecutive seasons and upcoming NBA lottery rules improvements, it could be worse.
If the Cavaliers hold on to Mitchell, this is now a must-win team. A healthy Antetokounmpo could easily become the winning star they seem to be lacking. The Cavs could also go away for a season, and if that doesn't work, let both Mitchell and Antetokounmpo walk in free agency and start from scratch. Either way, they should seriously consider that trade if it's still on the negotiating table this summer.
