Following last week’s completed blockbuster trade, the Cavaliers‘ roster — on paper at least — appears to be set for training camp. The only pressing issue is the health of point guard Isaiah Thomas, who is currently dealing with a hip injury that will likely force him to miss the start of the season. If Cleveland’s current roster struggles and Thomas misses significant time, the team could shop the Nets’ 2018 first round pick (acquired in last week’s trade) in search for a starting point guard, Buddy Grizzard of Basketball Insiders writes.
We examined the importance of the Cavaliers’ signing of Derrick Rose in a Community Shootaround last week. The former Most Valuable Player is a diminished player but showed he can still score with authority if healthy. However, Rose is under contract for the veteran’s minimum and not a long term piece. One player Cleveland could target with their draft pick is Suns’ point guard Eric Bledsoe.
“If Rose is not seen as the answer and too many questions surround Thomas,” Grizzard writes. “Bledsoe could be the solution. He’ll have one season remaining on his contract after this season, which could at least entice James to stay on for another two-year contract with a second-year player option.”
Check out other news tidbits from around the Central Division:
- Reggie Jackson has not returned to basketball activities yet but Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy hopes he will be ready soon, per Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter links).
- Two-time dunk contest winner and new Bulls guard Zach LaVine is a “wild card” on the sneaker market, ESPN’s Nick DePaula writes. LaVine’s rookie deal with Nike expires at the end of September and DePaula notes that moving from the third option in Minnesota to main option in Chicago is a chance for LaVine to cash in on his new deal.
- The Pelicans will send $2.5MM to the Bulls as part of the deal that sent Quincy Pondexter to the Windy City last week, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link).
It is my understanding that next summer is the last one for James to sign one of those 5-year max deals, and another 2-year deal is less likely. But, you know, he decides when he decides.
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I don’t think Bledsoe is enough of a return for the Brk #1, and he could probably be acquired for less. But Between Rose and Thomas, at least one will come through. A young defensive PG would be a good idea.
The 2 & 5 positions need the most bolstering. I’d go for a combo-G like Brogdon, Beverly or Murray but still not for the Brk #1. (Gasol or sit on it)
Brogdon or Murray for that pick the Cavs would definitely do. I’m not sure the other teams do that at this point. Beverly would be a good add but I’m not sure what CLE would give up or what LAC would want.
The Cavs have a dynamic point forward in LeBron. Everyone needs to calm down. They could run Thompson Love Crowder Smith and LeBron out there with LeBron as the ball handler for stretches. Maybe kay felder will be competent for 5- 10 minutes per game . And rose can be fine for 30 mins.
And that would be if Thomas missed extended time