The Cleveland Cavaliers already made a major shake up to their core at this year’s trade deadline by sending Darius Garland to the Clippers for James Harden, and if Cleveland ends up with another disappointing playoff exit in the first or second round this year, we could see an even bigger change in the offseason.

The Milwaukee Bucks Are Interested in Evan Mobley

There have been trade rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo constantly over the past year, but there should be a definitive conclusion to that saga this offseason. Giannis is entering the final year of his contract, and if he doesn’t want to sign an extension with Milwaukee, then the Bucks have to trade him to kick start a rebuild. The Cavaliers do not have many draft picks available to trade, but the Bucks need players that can help them be competitive without Giannis right away. Milwaukee does not control their own first round pick until 2030, so tanking and building through the draft is not an option for them.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne is reporting that the Bucks are targeting young stars like Evan Mobley or Philadelphia’s VJ Edgecombe in exchange for their aging superstar. Cleveland would likely have to throw in Max Strus with Mobley to make the salary work, and then add in whatever draft capital they can to make a deal happen.

Would Giannis Fit in Cleveland?

Giannis has been a top-five player in the NBA for a long time, and while he’s heading towards the end of his prime, he’s still averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists this year. The fit with James Harden would be great, as Harden is one of the best players in the league at operating in the pick and roll, and Giannis is unstoppable going towards the rim. Harden has also been great as a catch and shoot player in Cleveland when playing off the ball with Donovan Mitchell. These three superstars are all ball dominant, but I believe that great players can always make it work.

Jarrett Allen would be a bit of an awkward fit next to Antetokounmpo because of both of them being poor three point shooters. Giannis has always been at his best with a stretch big like Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis who can catch and shoot off of the double teams that Giannis draws on his drives to the rim.

Overall, the fit is not perfect, but having that much talent in a starting lineup alongside the elite spot up shooting that the Cavs bench can provide would certainly make them a much better team in the short term.

Should Cleveland Make This Deal?

If the Cavaliers can’t at least get to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, changes will absolutely have to be made. James Harden isn’t getting any younger and Donovan Mitchell is extension eligible in the offseason. Making a move for an all time great like Giannis should be a no brainer if it’s possible for them in the offseason. Evan Mobley is a very promising young all-star, but I don’t think he will ever reach the peak that Giannis is at right now.

The only potential downside to a Giannis trade is his injury history over the past few years. He’s only played in 36 games this season, and if the Cavaliers were to mortgage their future to trade for him, any injuries to their stars would be devastating. It would not be a risk free move for the Cavaliers, but any time you have a chance to add an all time great player, you should take it. The Eastern Conference will be even more competitive next season with the return of Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers.

I believe a Mobley for Giannis trade would put the Cavs back at the top of the East, and potentially make them the favorites to win it all next year. Trading the future to maximize the next few years with Harden and Mitchell is risky, but if it gives Cleveland a better chance to win a championship, it’s absolutely worth it.