Cavaliers 2024 NBA Trade Deadline Preview
Outside of the NBA Playoffs and Finals, the trade deadline might be one of the most exciting parts of the season. The 2024 deadline is Thursday, February 8 at 3:00 pm.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have two choices to make at this year's deadline. They could either pull off a blockbuster win-now move, or hold pat with a roster that's second in the Eastern Conference as of Monday night.
Donovan Mitchell Trade Status
Let's start with this, Donovan Mitchell has been at the center of trade rumors since the middle of December. However, almost every report indicates that the Cavaliers will hold onto Spida through the end of the season. Koby Altman apparently even told opposing GMs to "lose my number" in regards to a Mitchell trade.
It would be more than surprising to see him get moved.
Jan 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers players react during a timeout against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena.
What Are Cleveland's Positions Of Need?
Let's say the Cavaliers were to pull off a trade. What position or positions would they choose to target?
Cleveland already has a ton of depth. So much so that J.B. Bickerstaff is running a 10-man rotation, and could probably go with an 11-man one if he wanted to. There is a type of player that a team can never have too much of. That's those who fall in the three-and-D category.
Another backup point guard could also be beneficial for the Cavs. Cleveland initially hoped that Ricky Rubio could provide quality backup minutes, but the two sides reached a buyout in early January that was best for everyone. Craig Porter Jr. has been downright impressive in his rookie season, but no one can blame the Cavs if they wanted someone with more NBA experience.
Finally, acquiring a backup big man is something that could be wise for the Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are both playing at an elite level. However, Tristan Thompson remains suspended, and adding more frontcourt depth would be wise for the final push for the playoffs.
Players Linked To Cavs
Let's finally talk about some names who have been linked to the Cavaliers over the last few months.
- Andrew Wiggins, F, Golden State Warriors
- Bogdan Bogdanović, F, Atlanta Hawks
- De'Andre Hunter, F, Atlanta Hawks
- Dorian Finney-Smith, F, Brooklyn Nets
- Matisse Thybulle, F, Portland Trail Blazers
- Royce O'Neale, F, Brooklyn Nets
- Saddiq Bey, F, Atlanta Hawks
- Tyus Jones, G, Washington Wizards
Which Cavaliers Could Be On The Move?
The Cavaliers are going to need to give up something of value if they want to get something in return. They don't have a ton of draft capital so trading someone on the roster may hold the most value.
Swingman Isaac Okoro was recently identified as a name to monitor leading up to the deadline. Dean Wade is another player who the Nets valued in the past.
