NBA Trade Rumors: Buying or selling big name deals at the deadline

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 17: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat celebrates after scoring and getting fouled against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on November 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 17: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat celebrates after scoring and getting fouled against the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on November 17, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
7 of 8
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waits for the ball to be put into play during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Quicken Loans Arena on January 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 20: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waits for the ball to be put into play during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Quicken Loans Arena on January 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

The 2018 Brooklyn Pick (Cleveland)

This pick has been a blessing and a cursing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sure, it gives them insurance in the event that LeBron James elects to leave the Cavs high and dry again, but it’s also become a handicap for the team in trade talks.

Cleveland “can’t” move the pick because it’s too valuable, and can’t necessarily “keep” the pick because it doesn’t really help them in their current state. Ideally, Cleveland’s front office had hoped that swapping Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas wouldn’t be as difficult as its proven to be thus far, and that they could use the Brooklyn pick as insurance for LeBron leaving or as ammo to land another star during the summer or before if LeBron gave them a commitment.

Although, with LeBron playing coy about his future and with the team struggling mightily, the Cavs don’t have that luxury anymore. Cleveland needs to make a move, and their best asset is that pick. When it comes down to it, I believe Cleveland blinks.

Verdict: Buy