Cleveland Cavaliers: Go Out And Get Steven Adams
With uncertainty at the C position, could the Cleveland Cavaliers trade for Steven Adams? The talented big man from Oklahoma City has been the subject of many trade rumors as of late. While the asking price is high, Adams does make sense for the Cavs.
It’s hard to find quality big men in the NBA. The Cavaliers, while they have quite a few, could use to add a player with the pedigree of Adams. With only Tristan Thompson and Ante Zizic as the team’s true C’s, and John Henson, Kevin Love, and Larry Nance Jr. as the PF/C hybrids, Adams would provide depth and become the team’s starter.
Cleveland wants to bring Tristan Thompson off the bench. He’s been a very capable big for his career as the teams 6th or 7th man. Zizic is still way too raw to be counted on for significant minutes. Adams can allow the Cavs to use their centers as they should, and will enable the the team to use Larry Nance Jr. at small forward.
It’s going to be a large haul for Adams. The Thunder are expecting a first and young player in return. Indeed, the Cavs have the assets to get that done. They’ve got a first to spare, and with all of the young talent (Kevin Porter Jr., Ante Zizic, Dylan Windler), there’s reason to believe the team can make a deal.
The only hurdle the Cleveland Cavaliers need to face, is it worth it for a player that might not re-sign? With only two-years left on his deal, Adams will be a hot commodity when he reaches free agency. The Cavs don’t have the luxury of playing in a big market, so they have a very small chance of signing him once his deal expires.
If, and this is a big if, Cleveland can secure a commitment to re-sign Adams, a trade makes a lot of sense. We know the Cavs aren’t a championship team, however, atleast in the short term, with Adams they are a possible playoff team. Perhaps the added revenue of making the playoffs is worth the two-year gamble. Still, a commitment from Adams might be what they need to pull the trigger.
For a player that’s averaged 13.9 points the last two seasons, 9.5 rebounds and 1 block in 2018-19, the quality of Adams play isn’t a question. He’d provide a big boost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, especially with Tristan Thompson coming off the bench. That pairing might solidify the Cavs as one of the NBA’s best rebounding teams. That might get them to the playoffs. If that’s the case, it might be worth the gamble on Steven Adams.
Image Source: Rocky Widner
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
