My Offseason Plan with Cavs limited resources...

[David.]

If he continues to be a ghost in these Finals, maybe.

But if he can start playing like he has previously in these playoffs, he will be making at least $10 million next season. Book it.

Also, JR turns 31 in September.

It's a big but though.

It's what makes Harrison Barnes 15m vs 7, to a contending team to a non contender

 

[Rich]

He just had a good run with Cavs last season, and no one came calling. He's not gonna get 10 million a year unless he has a fringe all-star type year next year.

 

[billmac91]

I think Cavs will look closely at the rumored Kyrie for Eric Bledsoe deal.

Bledsoe would be a better fit offensively next to LeBron because he is not ball dominant, and defensively, Bledsoe is far superior. I think Cleveland would also be able to gain additional assets in a Bledsoe for Kyrie swap, because I believe most would agree, Kyrie is the superior player. Although Kyrie is the superior player, I still think Bledsoe gets the Cavs closer to a championship caliber team because of his fit next to LeBron.

I also think the Cavs understand LeBron needs to begin his full-time transition to PF. Kevin Love is a good regular season player to have, but in the "new style" NBA, the game has exploded past him. He's a good stretch 4, but entirely overpaid for what he brings on both ends of the court.

I'm not sure if the Cavs move Love or not, but they'd be a much stronger team starting LeBron at the 4, and bringing in an athletic starting SF, that can stretch the court and defend well.

A starting line-up of Bledsoe, JR Smith, Nicolus Batum, LeBron,Thompson is a much stronger team than Kyrie, JR Smith, LeBron, Love, Thompson when looking at defense and just team dynamics.

I hope LeBron is willing to embrace becoming a pure starting 4, and then allow the team to go get an athletic wing to strengthen their defense.

 

[NorthCoastBias]

It's always a good idea to trade for a guy who has no cartilage in his knee....

 

[Urban]

Bledsoe really would be a perfect fit at PG here, and a trade surrounding Bledsoe + #4 + more would be intriguing...

But like NorthCoastBias said, 3 knee surgeries in 5 years...yikes, I'll stay away.

 

[Ohio]

I could live with a trade for CP3.

But Bledsoe? Hell nah...

 

[billmac91]

It's always a good idea to trade for a guy who has no cartilage in his knee....

It's risky for sure, but I think that is why Phoenix also sends back additional assets.

Like it or hate it, LeBron and Bledsoe are boys, and Bledsoe's game is a much better fit next to LeBron than Kyrie who is very ball dominant. If Bledsoe can stay healthy, again, a big question mark, he's an elite defender (and significantly better than Kyrie in this regard), and offensively, is an explosive athlete that finishes well and is great in open court. Bledsoe has also become a threat from deep. He isn't Kyrie offensively, but he's really damn good. Based on Bledoe's injury history, you may be able to get an Alex Len, PJ Tucker, or even Devin Booker back based on Irving's current contract situation.

Beyond moving Kyrie, the biggest issue moving forward is LeBron and his willingness to shift to PF as a long-term move. If he wants to win titles, he needs to accept the fact that he needs to become a match-up nightmare at the 4, and commit to defending the Draymond Green's, Paul Milsaps, Serge Ibaka's of the world. Which shouldn't be hard...just a little bit more contact under the hoop defensively.

 

[billmac91]

I could live with a trade for CP3.

But Bledsoe? Hell nah...

I'd prefer CP3 too, but Bledsoe was the rumored player this off-season. Bledsoe uses LeBron's agency, they're very close, and LeBron was apparently pushing for Bledsoe in his first off-season back, but not at the expense of Kyrie.

I could see a scenario, certainly after this series, where the Cavs look to move Kyrie, and in turn, move towards a less ball dominant PG going forward. When Kyrie is on, it's great to watch. Unfortunately, when he isn't shooting well, he just doesn't impact games in a positive way...defensively, or offensively in a way to involve teammates.

 

[nikolajz1]

Kevin Love to BOS for Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder

Kyrie Irving to ATL for Paul Milsap

 

[inliner311]

Kevin Love to BOS for Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder

Kyrie Irving to ATL for Paul Milsap

I think Boston gives up some picks with that deal, they have 8 draft picks this year. 3 are first rounders. I'd push for the #3 pick with it, maybe settle for 16 and 23 or a future with one of those. Marcus Smart could be added instead of Bradley too but I'd like Bradley as first option. Use one of those picks and varejao trade exception to get a player like Corey brewer or Trevor ariza.

I don't think I give up on Kyrie yet and definitely wouldn't trade him for Milsap.

 

[TheLand1287]

Kevin Love to BOS for Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder

Kyrie Irving to ATL for Paul Milsap

Do you live somewhere where weed is legal?

 

[Ohio]

I'd prefer CP3 too, but Bledsoe was the rumored player this off-season. Bledsoe uses LeBron's agency, they're very close, and LeBron was apparently pushing for Bledsoe in his first off-season back, but not at the expense of Kyrie.

I could see a scenario, certainly after this series, where the Cavs look to move Kyrie, and in turn, move towards a less ball dominant PG going forward. When Kyrie is on, it's great to watch. Unfortunately, when he isn't shooting well, he just doesn't impact games in a positive way...defensively, or offensively in a way to involve teammates.

Dude, Bledsoe has spent half of his career on the bench in a suit. I don't care about his playstyle or friendships. That's a monumental risk to take, not even considering the fact that Kyrie is a superior player. Just not worth it, not even close.

 

[billmac91]

Do you live somewhere where weed is legal?

A starting lineup of:

Irving
Bradley
Crowder
LeBron
Tristan

is a better team offensively and defensively than what we are trotting out against Golden State right now. Crowder would be a great addition to SF and move LeBron to his proper position of PF on the court. To be fair, I'm probably open to about any idea that forced LeBron to PF.

And Avery Bradley is a fantastic defender and good catch and shoot offensive player. I actually like that trade a lot, and it makes JR/Shump expendable as well.

 

[Ohio]

I do agree that LeBron needs to accept the reality that he's no longer a perimeter player and move his ass to the 4 permanently. That's more important than anything, really. Pretty much a prerequisite to a title at this point.

 

[Rich]

A starting lineup of:

Irving
Bradley
Crowder
LeBron
Tristan

is a better team offensively and defensively than what we are trotting out against Golden State right now. Crowder would be a great addition to SF and move LeBron to his proper position of PF on the court. To be fair, I'm probably open to about any idea that forced LeBron to PF.

And Avery Bradley is a fantastic defender and good catch and shoot offensive player. I actually like that trade a lot, and it makes JR/Shump expendable as well.

We're getting absolutely crushed on the boards by Golden State right now. Imagine trotting this lineup out against them....then imagine trotting it out against an actually good rebounding team. Golden State sweeps this roster.