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

Worth the Risk?

Wherever they chose, an Anthony-centered deal would likely represent the best return for a player whose offensive talents are incredibly valuable but also superfluous on this Cleveland roster. Love’s defense is a dealbreaker. When he’s on the floor, Golden State feasts. It’s that simple.

Which gets us to the final and most important question: would Anthony do any better? We haven’t seen much indication from Melo over the last several seasons that he has it in him to fight over picks, close out hard on shooters, or recover in time to stay with his man on a drive. If you don’t do all of these things against the Warriors, you’re useless.

Here’s the thing though: it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a fully engaged version of Carmelo Anthony. For the Cavs to make this deal, they’d be betting that such a version still exists somewhere in there, waiting for a situation worthy of expending the energy.

With a ring on the line, right before an off-season in which he can become a free agent, here’s betting Melo brings it.

But that’s not why the Cavs do this deal. They make this move because the likes of Richard Jefferson, Kyle Korver, Deron Williams, and Iman Shumpert played meaningful minutes in these Finals. They’re all perfectly fine players, but ones with significant flaws. Against a team that doesn’t bleed, that matters.