The Cleveland Cavaliers are fresh off being swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Given how weak the conference is and how they lost to the Knicks, the Cavaliers have to be reconsidering whether they want to run it back with their core of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Cleveland should conclude that this roster isn't built to contend. If that is the case, the Portland Trail Blazers should be trying to steal Mobley.
His offensive limitations were apparent throughout the postseason, and the Cavaliers could be hesitant to have him on the books for $50 million next season. Fortunately, the Blazers have a salary filler in Jerami Grant, who can be the foundation of a potential package. That gives Portland a potential buy-low opportunity on a former Defensive Player of the Year who would fit in perfectly with their timeline at 24 years old.
Blazers can become a top-five defense with Evan Mobley
Can you imagine trying to score against a starting unit of Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Mobley, and Donovan Clingan? Then you think you get a break against the second unit, only for Robert Williams III and defensive wings such as Matisse Thybulle, Kris Murray, and Sidy Cissoko to come in (depending on whether Portland extends Williams and Thybulle before June 30).
Portland's front office is ahead of the curve as the league shifts to prioritizing two-way versatility and positional size. They took another step in the right direction last summer, swapping Anfernee Simons for Holiday.
Despite the elite individual defenders, the Blazers were surprisingly a middle-of-the-pack defense this season. A bold trade for Mobley could be the piece required to become that top-five defense they envision.
GM Joe Cronin has already proven throughout this rebuild that he isn't afraid to sacrifice draft capital to add a more established player who fits their timeline, as was the case in the Avdija deal. Mobley wouldn't be quite the same buy-low opportunity to that extent, but Cleveland's playoff collapse could potentially open a door that previously appeared to be closed.
Ultimately, it depends on what direction Portland wants to take its roster this summer. Shooting is considered a top priority, and rightfully so. But acquiring a defensive-minded piece in Mobley wouldn't have to come at the expense of that goal. Portland can double down on its defensive strengths while continuing to find a better balance on offense. And at 24 years old, there's still plenty of room for Mobley to improve on that end.
Cronin should use this sweep as an opportunity to steal yet another rising star.
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