As of now, the Cleveland Cavaliers intend on using the No. 1 overall draft pick. Unless they can get a player like Kevin Love in return for it, the team will make the first draft in hopes of once again putting together a roster that has a chance at making the playoffs. The Cavaliers are currently planning on making a run at some of the top free agents in the league, but if they are not options then who gets drafted?
The Cavaliers are not denying their interest in players like Love or LeBron James. Both are extreme long shots right now. James will only sign with a team that is built to win. He showed that hometown loyalty can only run so far and as he works in the prime of his career, he will only sign with a team that stands a chance at winning a championship immediately. That is not the Cavaliers, no matter what owner Dan Gilbert believes.
Love is a different kind of difficult. The Cavaliers certainly stand the best shot at landing him considering they have the top draft pick to offer, but the team would have to give up a lot in order to receive just one player. The Minnesota Timberwolves will want that top draft pick, plus players like Dion Waiters or Tristan Thompson in return. That might not be the smartest move for Cleveland considering they have the cap space to simply sign free agents over trading for them.
The Cavaliers also intend on making a run at LaMarcus Aldridge, another player that requires a big return. It is unknown what Aldridge's feelings are towards the Portland Trail Blazers after they put together a decent playoff run. Winning normally kills all ill feelings and the Blazers will not let their star forward go without a fight.
If James and Love are not options, the Cavaliers will likely draft Andrew Wiggins No. 1 overall. According to Chad Forward of ESPN.com, the Cavaliers favor signing a forward rather than a center. While they are high on players like Jabari Parker from Duke, Ford believes that when it comes down to draft day, Wiggins goes with the top pick. While Parker could step in an play immediately, Wiggins has a higher ceiling to be elite and make a better defensive impact. Ford continues saying that injuries to players like Joel Embiid have deferred interest a bit.
Embiid is set to visit Cleveland before the draft and the team will make sure the center gets evaluated by team doctors. If there is uncertainty with his back, the Cavaliers will not look in his direction again. Much of the Cavaliers offseason moves will be determined by what it looks like James plans on doing in free agency.
