Ranking Cavaliers' Top Trade Targets After 2026 NBA Playoff Loss

The Cleveland Cavaliers went for broke with their deadline deal for James Harden.

After yet another premature exit from the NBA playoffs, it sure feels like the effort came up empty.

The Cavs reached the Eastern Conference Finals but were eliminated by the New York Knicks in a four-game sweep.

Even if they weren't operating on championship-or-bust terms, they clearly planned on getting closer to that stage than they managed. Maybe that forces them to reverse course on their commitment to this core. Then again, if they can get long-term agreements with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, they could take another crack at completing the puzzle around their stars.

It's too early to tell exactly how aggressive they'll get, but if they aren't abandoning their win-now plans, their summer shopping list could look something like this.

3. Justin Champagnie, Washington Wizards

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While Cleveland has logistical concerns with its backcourt (related to defense) and its frontcourt (related to offense), it also has high-end talents at both spots. So, if the Cavs decide their best course of action is tweaking the supporting cast, then expect the wing spots to hold their attention.

Two-way wings aren't easy to find—let alone at a reasonable price—as this franchise knows all too well. But if Cleveland could wrestle Champagnie away from Washington, it might have a path toward eventual strong two-way play from someone who hasn't shown enough of it yet to command top trade dollar.

Basically, this would boil down to the Cavs' belief in his ability to harness a consistent outside shot. Because if he just had that in his arsenal, he'd be a pretty snug fit as a three-and-D wing—and one of the best rebounders to wear that label.

That said, he's been more of a willing shooter than an able one to this point, and without that outside shot, he might have trouble rising above the hustle-hard role player ranks. Even then, though, he might be a bargain. Consistent effort is a skill, and between that, his activity on the glass and his defensive versatility, he brings a good amount of ability inside the lines.

2. Derrick Jones Jr., Los Angeles Clippers

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Jones is sort of the actualized version of what Champagnie might become. There's just probably no more room for growth, so the Cavaliers have to be cool with Jones' modest scoring rates and limited three-point volume.

Maybe they are, though.

They should be good on scoring as long as they're running offense through Mitchell and Harden, so Jones' 10-ish points per game might be more than enough. And if he cans enough threes to either demand defensive attention or punish teams who don't bring it—35.8 percent over this season and last—that could be all they need from a support spacer.

If the Cavs can live with his limitations, they can squeeze a lot out of his strengths as a multipositional defender, dynamic above-the-rim finisher and momentum-shifting energizer. Someone who makes plays defensively and finishes them on the offensive end could be the perfect complement to their stars. Plus, he has a working history with Harden, so his transition to this team might be smoother than most.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

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If the Cavs want in on the seemingly inevitable Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, they might have the perfect trade chip to wiggle their way to the front. When the Bucks were fielding offers for the two-time MVP, they specifically eyeballed Evan Mobley as one of the "younger building blocks" they were hoping to acquire, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

There surely aren't many scenarios in which Cleveland would even consider moving on from Mobley, a 24-year-old who was Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA second-teamer last season. But getting the Greek Freak is or at least should be among the exceptions.

Some might have concerns with Antetokounmpo's age (31) and increasing injury trouble, but there are so many nits to pick with a player of this caliber. He's a realistic answer in the best-player-on-the-planet debate, a two-way game-breaker who can control entire contests at either end of the floor—if not both at the same time.

If the Cavs need to convince Mitchell he'll have a championship chance with them, an Antetokounmpo acquisition would be the most direct way to send that message. It'd be costly and more than a little risky, but the potential payoff could be legendary.