Cleveland Cavaliers: Trading for Carmelo Anthony is likely the next move

Feb 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) defends New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) defends New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the first half in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) during the first half in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Imperfect Fit

That being said, we just finished watching a series in which Love and Tristan Thompson, the Cavs’ third and fourth best players, couldn’t survive on the floor together.

Thompson gives Cleveland the defensive versatility it needs to survive against the greatest offense known to man, but played far less than Love in the series as Tyronn Lue prioritized offense first.

The result of that decision was fairly obvious. Cleveland scored a ton. Golden State scored more.

Cleveland exists in a universe in which they concern themselves with matching up well against one team and one team only. Golden State isn’t going anywhere soon, so Cleveland can’t be blamed for exploring their options.