The Cleveland Cavaliers have the most intriguing movable asset as the trade deadline approaches, but the front office may be posturing to raise the price.
According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, rival executives said the Cavs are “acting as if they are not going to trade” the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick acquired in the Kyrie Irving deal.
That unprotected pick will likely be a top-10 selection, and it’s been the subject of potential moves involving Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George.
But either Cleveland is trying to drive up the value of the pick, or the front office believes the selection’s future worth is higher than the potential of a short-term addition.
Although both Jordan or George are still available, they could decline a player option and become a free agent this summer. Cousins is out for the year.
Plus, given the drama happening in Cleveland, LeBron James could be eyeing a move as a free agent. Having a top-10 pick to fall back on wouldn’t eliminate the pain of losing a legendary player, but it would help in restocking the roster.
Whether the Cavs part with the Brooklyn pick will be the biggest storyline of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.