2016 NBA Trade Deadline: Upgrades Cavaliers Must Consider For Title Run

The Cleveland Cavaliers, as they’re currently constructed, would not beat the Golden State Warriors and probably wouldn’t beat the San Antonio Spurs, either, in the NBA Finals this spring.

This situation makes it important for the Cavs to upgrade their roster before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.

So, what assets does Cleveland general manager David Griffin have to deal?

Center Timofey Mozgov, forward Richard Jefferson and guards Matthew Dellavedova and James Jones all have expiring contracts. The Cavs also have trade exceptions of $10.5 million, $2.8 million and $845,059 from past deals.

Griffin also could dangle quality role players like J.R. Smith, who’s signed through next season for a little more than $5 million, or Iman Shumpert, who’s signed through next season for a bit under $10 million. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has shown he’s willing to go into the luxury tax, too, as evidenced by his team’s league-leading payroll of $109,392,763.

The Cavaliers could use additional outside shooting, too. Only four players — Kevin Love, Smith, Jefferson and Dellavedova — are shooting above 35 percent from the 3-point line among Cavs players playing 10 or more minutes per game. LeBron James is shooting a career-worst 27.7 percent from beyond the arc.

Cleveland reportedly is interested in acquiring Kyle Korver from the Atlanta Hawks. Korver is among the NBA’s best outside shooters with a career 3-point percentage of 43.0, but he’s having a bit of a down season at 38.7 percent.

Cleveland also should look at acquiring a big man who can stretch the floor, rebound and be used in small-ball lineups. Mozgov is a very good rim protector and provides occasional offense, but he’s a nightmare trying to defend small-ball lineups when the guy he’s guarding is on the perimeter. This was evident when the Warriors went small in the 2015 NBA Finals and torched the Cavs.

Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley is an above-average defender, can knock down outside shots and is athletic enough to guard smaller forwards. He’d be a fantastic fit for Cleveland’s small-ball lineup.

The Wizards expect to make the playoffs, though, especially after last season’s run to the second round. They’d be wise to want some kind of player in return for Dudley and not just draft picks.

The Cavs have lost to the Warriors twice this season, and even though they beat the Spurs at home, Cleveland almost certainly would not have homecourt in a potential NBA Finals matchup with San Antonio.

Griffin must be aggressive in trying to upgrade his roster. This team is built to win now, especially with James approaching the end of his prime. Kyrie Irving’s and Love’s injury history also is a cause for concern and should push the Cavs to bolster their depth for another deep playoff run.