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 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Finals for the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland’s Only Hope

As much as the result of these Finals was frustrating, the Cleveland Cavaliers also couldn’t be blamed for running it back as is. You’re a safe bet to make it this far next year, and injuries happen, so who knows…maybe they catch a break and Steph or KD tweaks an ankle.

But with rumors already swirling about LeBron taking his talents to the west coast in 2018, Cleveland has to keep its foot on the gas. A three team deal which nets them Melo plus anther rotation wing that can play 30 plus minutes a night of solid, two-way ball might give them a fighting chance.

Assuming Paul George isn’t a real option, this is the best bet the Cleveland Cavaliers can make. It’s an unheard of risk for a three-time defending conference champ to take, but when faced with a juggernaut unlike the league has ever seen before, you can’t win unless all the chips are in the middle of the table.

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The Warriors have made their statement. It’s your move Cleveland.