NBA Trade Rumors: The Cleveland Cavaliers have been named a “team to watch” in the Ben Simmons sweepstakes.
At 19-13, the Cleveland Cavaliers are more than just a team that has gotten off to an unlikely start. The Cavs are quickly becoming a problem in the Eastern Conference and have the look of a team that is going to stick around near the top 4 of the conference.
However, if the team truly wanted to announce itself to the rest of the East, they could make a big play at the NBA Trade Deadline. And according to a recent report, the Cavs have been labeled as a team to watch as it pertains to arguably the biggest name, Ben Simmons, on the trade block.
Cleveland could use the added help in the backcourt (especially with Collin Sexton slated to miss the remainder of the season) even if it would likely come at the cost of a few assets.
Simmons would also drastically raise the ceiling for the Cavs this season and in the future – Simmons would represent a player that could emerge as the team’s No. 1 option this season and would make the transition for Evan Mobley that much smoother over the next couple of seasons.
Due to his prowess on the defensive end, Simmons would also help this team’s perimeter defense. He’s a Defensive Player of the Year talent that would immediately have an impact on that end of the floor – not to mention that he’s one of the league’s best playmakers when he’s healthy and engaged.
Simmons is seeking a new, fresh start and there may not be a better (and realistic) option out there than the Cavs. Cleveland has the assets to get a deal done and has enough young talent on the roster where even if they were to part ways with some assets, they will still be in a good position to continue to be competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland’s future is already bright. Add in Simmons and you have to consider the Cavs as potentially being the “next” team up in the East.