Cleveland Cavaliers: Paul George
As presently constructed, the Cavs are still the favorites in the East because they have LeBron James. That is just how it is. In a potential Finals four-match against the Warriors, they might just get swept thought. The Cavs just don’t move on defense nor do they have the personnel to disrupt the Warriors on offense.
Even if they were to try harder on defense in the playoffs, it doesn’t change anything drastically. They can keep up in shootouts for perhaps one or two games, but that’s it. They are simply overmatched. Even the greatness of LeBron has limit. The Warriors are too deep, long, stacked, talented, and cohesive even for arguably the greatest player of all time to compete with. So what do the Cavs do? DeAndre Jordan doesn’t move the needle that much against the Warriors.
Perhaps Boogie might but the Pelicans are keen on keeping him. Same with Anthony Davis. Maybe they go for a multiple team trade that nets them Kent Bazemore, Deandre Jordan, and some other wings? But realistically none of that makes much of a difference. The only thing that matters for the Cavs is the Golden State Warriors. That is why the only answer Paul George.
George would change everything for the Cavs – aside from Kawhi, it gives them the perfect defender to throw at Kevin Durant while also providing ample offense. If he can even marginally limit Durant, the Cavs would have a chance to win it all.
If Presti decides to pull the plug on the OKC experiment, the Cavs should be the first ones to call offering a package revolving around the Brooklyn pick, their own 2018 pick, TT, Shumpert, and Frye for a half season of Paul George. LeBron, George, Love, IT, and the depth that the Cavs currently employ should be more than enough to make the finals a tossup. And you best believe that George will stay in Cleveland for the long haul if they beat the Warriors.