With just a couple of days to go before the 2022 NBA Draft, it’s almost time for the Cleveland Cavaliers to decide what to do with their 14th pick.
There is plenty of speculation about who they may select with the pick, especially given their obvious need for productive depth at the wing position, as well as accurate 3-point shooting.
Sources: Santa Clara wing Jalen Williams has been the biggest riser in the pre draft process. The #Cavaliers at 14 are a team to watch. #NBA #NBARumors
— NBA Rumor Report (@NBARums) June 20, 2022
But just because the Cavs have a pick that’s somewhat high doesn’t mean they need to keep it.
There is always a chance they end up trading the pick, and there are rumors that they may end up doing just that.
If that’s what Cleveland ends up doing, there are two main ways it could manifest.
Trading Down In The Draft
According to one publication, the Cavs are considering giving up the 14th pick in return for a lower pick this year and a first-round pick in the future.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are open to moving back in the draft if they can acquire an additional future first-round pick, league sources told HoopsHype,” wrote Michael Scotto.
Perhaps the Cavs would do such a thing if they don’t find a draft prospect who is available at No. 14 and they are enamored enough with.
Another possibility may be trading down in the draft while getting back an actual player as well, perhaps a veteran who can help the team now.
Cleveland could use a veteran backup point guard to help Darius Garland run the team, and a veteran 3-and-D player certainly wouldn’t hurt either.
Some have questioned the viable depth in this year’s draft, and outside of Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith, there is considered to be a lack of “can’t miss” prospects this year, although they are some players who may have real upside as role or complementary players.
Yet another possible scenario could be the Cavs trading the 14th pick not for another pick, but simply for one or even two players.
Sure, they would end up with no first-round pick this year, but if they get someone who they see contributing to the team right away, perhaps they at least consider it.
Trading Up For A Higher Lottery Pick
Despite the relative lack of depth in this year’s NBA draft, there are some intriguing prospects outside of Holmgren, Banchero and Smith, and if the Cavs find someone they love enough, perhaps fans shouldn’t rule out the team trading to acquire a higher pick.
The Sacramento Kings, who have the No. 4 pick, have been rumored to be interested in shopping their pick, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
If the Cavs have someone who would interest the Kings, perhaps that would be their best shot at drafting an interesting prospect.
Somehow the Sacramento Kings' approach to next week's NBA Draft is both complex and simple.
Trade the 4th pick or draft Jaden Ivey. If you move the pick, you have to get good enough value to both win next season and not regret Ivey's future success.
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) June 20, 2022
Sacramento redid its team a few months ago, sending promising guard Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers for big man Domantas Sabonis.
Rumor has it the team is looking for a few good veterans for its young roster so that it can make the playoffs next year for the first time since 2006.
Leave a Reply