PLEASE NOTE: THIS SCENARIO ASSUMES THAT THE CAVS EXTEND MITCHELL IN THE 2024 OFFSEASON AND DECIDE TO BUILD AROUND MITCHELL AND MOBLEY ONLY. THIS MEANS THEY HAVE OR PLAN TO ALSO TRADE DARIUS GARLAND FOR OTHER PIECES IN THEIR RETOOL
THUNDER RECEIVE:
Lauri Markkanen
Jarrett Allen
JAZZ RECEIVE:
Josh Giddy
Isaiah Joe
Pick 12 in the 2024 Draft
2025 HOU/LAC 1st RD Pick
2027 OKC 1st RD Pick
2028 MIL 2nd RD Pick
2029 PHX 2nd RD Pick
CAVS RECEIVE:
Lou Dort
Kenrich Williams
2025 PHI 1st RD Pick
2027 DEN 1st RD Pick
2028 OKC 2nd RD Pick
DO YOU GUYS THINK THE THUNDER SHOULD GO ALL IN FOR MULTIPLE ALLSTAR CALIBER PLAYERS?
MY THOUGHT PROCESS & REASONING FOR TRADE:
OKC got bounced in the 2nd round because they lacked the size to rebound with other top teams in the Western Conference. They could trade for 1 big man and call it a day. But with the amount of draft capital they have, why not go all in and become the biggest teams in the league?
Lauri and Jarrett Allen know how to play well with other big men from their time on the Cavs. Chet Holmgren is a better floor spacer currently than Evan Mobley. The 3 of them would Co-Exist fine and give Shai and Jalen Williams more flexibility on offense.
OKC's starting 5 of Shai, Jalen Williams, Lauri, Chet, and Allen would most likely be the best starting 5 in the league, both on offense and defense. If it works out, OKC can extend both Lauri and Allen for the long term. And, if one of the bigs doesn't fit (most likely Allen), OKC could flip him for other assets.
As previously stated, in this scenario, the Cavs decided to extend Mitchell and exclusively build around him and Mobley. Their strategy is to play Mitchell at PG and Mobley at C and surround them with wings and shooters to space the floor. This strategy is how they went on their 20-game win streak.
Lou Dort is a great 3&D Wing who could start at the 2/3 for the Cavs next to Strus, Okoro (if resigned), or another piece the Cavs acquire through a Garland trade (Brandon Ingram anyone?). Williams would be another solid defensive bench wing to pair with Dean Wade.
The best part of the deal would be the Cavs reloading on draft picks. These picks could help improve the roster over the next few years, especially if another star player/great role player became available.
The Jazz currently are too good to tank. That's a compliment to them, considering how loaded the Western Conference is and will be over the rest of the decade. If they decide that now is not a good time to seriously compete, gaining as much draft capital as possible with other young pieces is the way to go. If Lauri is traded, I would expect Clarkson, Collins, and possibly even Sexton trades to follow.
It is no secret that Josh Giddy has struggled this year due to on and off-the-court factors. Playing for the Jazz would allow him to play in a low-stakes environment and rebuild his confidence. He would no doubt slot into the Jazz's starting PG role. Isaiah Joe is another young sharpshooter who would space the floor.
The Jazz have a lot of options with the #12 Pick. They could keep it, or package it with Pick 10 to move up for a prospect they like more.
Are these trades realistic? Probably not. But would they be pretty cool if they happened? Heck ya! What do you all think?