02-03-2026, 12:11 PM
(02-03-2026, 11:40 AM)Smitty Wrote: NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
The Cavs have contacted the Bucks about Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Mavericks about Anthony Davis, per @WindhorstESPN
Cleveland is ACTIVE ?
(Via @ESPNCleveland )
I was just thinking if Cleveland is after Giannis. Not an easy path at all. First they would have to get under the second apron, which would require them clearing some 14 million from their payroll. Than they would need to have another at least 54.2 salaries going out for Giannis. They can get under the second apron either by trading Allen while receiving just a little bit of salary back or by dumping Strus (which would require assets). Other options are possible too like dumping Schroeder, or a combination of Lonzo and Wade.
Cleveland only has 1 FRP to offer and their good young players (Mobley and Garland) are already on their second deals. One of them would need to be included in the Giannis deal. The rest depends on what they do to get under the second apron. They only have one tradeable FRP, but they could probably get one more for Allen.
Is an offer of Garland (or Mobley), some expiring deals they would get from trading Allen (I assume Milwaukee doesn't see value in receiving Allen) and 2 FRP good enough of an offer to entice Milwaukee to trade them Giannis?
After everything is done, Cleveland would need to send out at least Garland (or Mobley), Allen and Strus. They would receive Giannis and some minor salaries from other deals.