NBA Draft Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Must Not Move Up for Bradley Beal

The Cleveland Cavaliers are desperate to find a running mate for Kyrie Irving in their backcourt, but there's one problem. Bradley Beal (the draft's top shooting guard) will be off the board by the time Cleveland picks at No. 4.

According to Steve Kyler of hoopsworld.com, there may be a remedy for this situation.

"

The Cavs hold the #4 and #24 picks in the 2012 NBA Draft and do not appear to want either pick. The Cavs have eyes for Florida’s Brad Beal and they know that if they stay at #4 they know the Wizards are taking Beal with the #3.

League sources say there is a standing offer of the #4 and #24 to Charlotte for the rights to the #2 pick and it seems if something better does not surface they may trigger a deal.

"

This deal makes sense for Charlotte. The Bobcats won seven games last year, and there isn't a player in this draft who could make them a contender next year. Picking up multiple picks makes sense for their situation.

But Cleveland's cupboard is not bare. Instead of forfeiting their two first-round assets, they should take advantage of the depth in this year's draft. The No. 24 pick wouldn't be a big deal in other years but quality players will be on the board late in this year's first round.

If the Cavaliers stay put at No. 4, Harrison Barnes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will both be available. Neither play in the backcourt, but both would bring welcomed qualities to Cleveland's rotation.

Let's take a look at each elite wing player, Beal and why Cleveland is best suited to stand pat.

Harrison Barnes

Irving and Barnes' friendship shouldn't be underestimated. Chemistry is valuable, and their comfort with each other will only help their gelling along.

Barnes complements Irving perfectly. He's a silky smooth spot-up shooter with an NBA-ready body. He has above-average athleticism and his attitude leaves room to grow into his considerable potential.

He must work on his ball-handling and rebounding, but Barnes is a high-character player. He won't be afraid to work on his game and make the necessary adjustments.

Irving would thrive with a dangerous shooter to pass too. He is excellent at attacking the rim and Barnes would benefit from the subsequent kick-out passes.

The Cavaliers would be smart to stay put for Barnes. He isn't a guard like Beal, but he can score. If Barnes reaches his ceiling, he is a better player than the Florida product.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Kidd-Gilchrist was teammates with Irving at St. Patrick's high school in New Jersey. Again, chemistry should not be undervalued.

The Kentucky product's talent shouldn't be either.

Kidd-Gilchrist boasts intangibles that would made most 10-year veterans jealous. He loves to play defense, accepts the challenge of guarding the other team's best player and he never hesitates to dive for a loose ball.

He's exactly the kind of player you want to build around. His youthful energy and winning attitude will be a welcome addition to any locker room but pairing him with Irving would be perfect.

Offensively, he excels in transition. He must work on his jumper, and his ball-handling, but he is dynamic when he's in attack mode.

I would say his ceiling is Scottie Pippen, and his floor is a Tony Allen-type player. He's a legitimate defensive stopper because of his length and motor, and he takes great pride in himself on that end of the floor.

Why Beal Isn't Worth it

Beal is this year's best shooting guard prospect. He would fill a need for Cleveland, and he would produce immediately.

But he still isn't worth moving up for. The same qualities can be added to this team by staying at No. 4 and retaining the No. 24 pick.

The Cavaliers salivate over the vision of Beal and Irving running the offense together. Beal's dead-eye shooting combined with Irving's ability to attack the basket would be a dynamic combination. But Barnes' shooting would do the same thing, and Kidd-Gilchrist's defense would give Cleveland an otherwise-missing element.

There's no doubting Beal's tremendous ability. He's an electric scorer, an underrated rebounder and a developing distributor. If Cleveland were far away from an Eastern Conference playoff spot, I'd say pull the trigger.

But they aren't far away. They would be better off staying put, picking up an equally elite player at No. 4 and adding a key role player at No. 24.

If they were to move both of their first-round picks, they would ruin their chance to grab two quality players. Beal may be a bit better than Barnes or MKG at this point, but the margin isn't wide enough to warrant a move.