The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly held discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential deal at this year’s trade deadline. The swap would have included Evan Mobley and all of Cleveland’s available draft picks for 10-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“There’s another Eastern Conference contender, however, that folks around the league are looking at as a potential Antetokounmpo landing spot,” said Jake Fischer per The Stein Line Substack. “Cleveland.”
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Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game last year while shooting above 62% from the floor. He’s a generational talent whose development has proven to be second to none. For every ‘Giannis-like’ prospect that emerges, only one has actually blossomed into the athletic beast that Antetokounmpo has become.
That’s partly why trading Mobley for Antetokounmpo might make sense.
Mobley is also a special talent, notching a Defensive Player of the Year Award and an All-NBA nod before turning 24. Still, even the most optimistic outlook for Mobley would likely have him falling below the heights that Giannis has reached. That’s a credit to Giannis, not a knock on Mobley.
Two things complicate this move, however.
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For starters, there’s always a risk to trading a player as accomplished and young as Mobley. Sure, I wouldn’t expect him to be better than Antetokounmpo, but I can’t guarantee it. I also can’t guarantee that Giannis will be healthy enough long-term for any of it to matter. The 2021 Finals MVP has had numerous postseasons derailed due to injury since then, and only played 36 games last season.
Trading Mobley (and all of your draft capital) means you are fairly confident that Giannis puts you over the top for a championship. If not, there’s no reason you’d do this. Mortgaging the future of the franchise without meaningfully increasing your window for a title is nonsensical. That comes with a parlay on Antetokounmpo’s health and a bet against Mobley’s development.
Moreover, the Cavs would also have to feel certain that this roster, as constructed around Mobley, is enough to win it all. This current group, including an aging James Harden and an unproven Donovan Mitchell, has to justify another big swing for this to make sense.
As a result, the end of this playoff run will likely influence what decisions the Cavs make this summer. There’s much to learn about this team and only a few more opportunities to do so. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks.
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