Cavaliers predicted to trade for ex-Celtics $9M high-motor wing to pair with James Harden, Mitchell

Cavaliers predicted to trade for ex-Celtics $9M high-motor wing to pair with James Harden, Mitchell originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers were just one series win away from reaching the NBA Finals a few months ago. Unfortunately, the eventual champions, the New York Knicks, were the team that ended their season.

The offseason was a crucial opportunity for Cleveland to improve its roster, as the team remains focused on reaching the Finals. One of the moves it made was trading for Peyton Watson.

“Denver is trading Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers and will receive Cleveland’s 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-rounder from the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs are sending Max Strus to the Los Angeles Clippers, which gives them the flexibility to sign Watson to a four-year, $88 million contract. There were multiple other minor moves involved to complete the deal, including the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets,” Bleacher Report’s Joseph Rucker wrote.

One thing that has stood out early this season is how much Evan Mobley’s improved shooting ability has opened up the offense.

“If Mobley continues his ascension as a legitimate 3-point shooter, it will not only make him a better all-around player, but will open the floor for the rest of his teammates, for driving lanes and for more open shots,” SI’s Josh Poloha wrote.

Shooting clearly helps open up the offense for players like James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes Cleveland should also consider trading for Julien Champagnie, a high-motor player who could bring plenty of value to the roster.

“They are hard-capped at the first apron, from which they sit just 45,000.Theirlargestmatchingsalaryoutsidethestartingfiveisthesub-10 million Sam Merrill. After him, it’s Jaylon Tyson…who’s on the books for under $3.7 million. Justin Champagnie, Jabari Walker and GG Jackson II are each cheap enough for the Cavs to dream about. All of them can log minutes as a backup 4. Champagnie can sponge up reps as the 2 or 3 as well,” Favale wrote.

Champagnie is also viewed as a glue guy who is well-liked in the locker room. The Cavaliers could use him in several different roles, giving the team another versatile option.

Champagnie is currently on a $9 million contract with the Washington Wizards. Cleveland is looking to make moves that will give it a legitimate shot at reaching the Finals, and a smaller deal like this could ultimately pay dividends.

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