The Cleveland Cavaliers are very positive they can land a top free agent this summer. With the no. 1 overall draft pick they can take their offseason in a number of directions. While that likely will not include trading away franchise star Kyrie Irving, it could mean a few other deals to land a star. With the playoffs still the top goal for Dan Gilbert, who is sent packing?
According to FOX Sports' Sam Amico, the top two players available for deals are Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson. This really is no surprise to anyone. If Irving is not available, these two are the best trade pieces the team has outside of the No.1 draft pick. Both players looked strong throughout the season, but according to Amico, the Cavaliers are more interested in acquiring veteran players that already have an impressive resume to their name. With Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker potential top draft picks, both Waiters and Thompson are expendable.
So who are the Cavaliers courting in a trade. According to the Chicago Tribune, Gilbert is under the impression that he can land Joakim Noah, a move that might get a laugh from a few Bulls fans. The Cavaliers are looking for a big defensive presence. Both Spencer Hawes and Luol Deng are headed into free agency this offseason with little chance of returning. Getting a strong defensive player like Noah is of course the goal. However, the Bulls are not making him available any time soon, if ever.
Amico also reports that Cleveland is trying to land LaMarcus Aldridge from the Portland Trail Blazers. Aldridge has reportedly been unhappy in Portland for some time, but winning changes everything and that is exactly what the Blazers did this year. Cleveland is considering offering up their top draft pick in exchange for the power forward. It is hard to envision the Blazers moving Aldridge right now considering how great of a season he put together which included a postseason run. The Cavaliers would have to give up a lot for him.
All of these moves are simply backup plans for the Cavaliers. Gilbert has made his intentions known that he wants to sign LeBron James away from the Miami Heat. Retaining Irving and getting James is certainly a nice little pairing, but the Cavaliers lack the supporting cast outside of the point guard to win the forward over. Trying for Aldridge or even Kevin Love might be the best move for Cleveland at this point.
