Surprising Twist Derails Cavs-Nets Trade Talks

Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets keep circling around each other. While moving in different directions, a lot of their immediate future could be decided by the other as the 2024-25 NBA season looms.

For the Cavaliers, it is decision-making time. After handing out extensions to every starter on the squad, their rotation remains virtually the same from last season. But, that might not be enough for a team that 2 seasons ago looked on the verge of becoming perennial Championship contenders.

On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets are all ready to embrace their rebuild. The Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden by extension, experiment did not work out. But, they bit the bullet and now are in a far stronger position than many give them credit for.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates

Thanks to the trade of the three stars, and the gargantuan return for Mikal Bridges, the team is firmly moving towards a rebuild. However, with an overwhelming pile of draft assets, the future looks bright in Brooklyn.

The two teams still remain attached at the hip, however. And it comes down to 3 wings on both squads. On the Cavs side of things, it is their lack of a bigger wing that can fill their Small Forward starting spot. While Isaac Okoro was seen as the answer, he hasn’t taken significant enough steps forward.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates

For a rebuilding team like the Nets, taking a flyer might not be the worst decision. Moreover, when it comes to returns, Brooklyn also has a plethora of wings to offer Cleveland. Both Dorrian Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson could fill that hole with the Cavs to perfection and give them a long-term rotational option.

However, there is now one major problem a potential move between the two squads.

Extensions might come back to bite the Cavs

This offseason, rather than retooling the roster, Cleveland has gone for the slower route. As a result, most of their core remains intact but on larger deals. As a result, the new CBA is making salary cap problems come up for the Cavaliers. That is where any potential Okoro move could take a backseat. The likeliest scenario for the Cavs was a sign-and-trade around Isaac. But, that seems to be out the window.

“ I just don’t think a sign-and-trade can even happen right now after all the salary stuff has all shifted out. I don’t think Brooklyn has the room to make that happen. And bringing back Dorian’s like $14 million would be challenging for that first apron stuff that we’re talking about with Cleveland in general.”

Thanks to the 3 years and $91 million contract extension that the Cavs gave Jarrett Allen a few days ago, their salary cap numbers have skyrocketed. Now, making a move is going to be evermore difficult. However, from the looks of things, president of basketball operations Koby Altman wants to give this core on more shot. With a new head coach in Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland has a litmus test for the first half of the season.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates

Otherwise, Allen is eligible to trade just before the deadline, and the Cavaliers could look to officially move on. Both Jarrett and Okoro, alongside other names like Max Strus and Caris LeVert could become trade chips for the team to restructure their outlook. For the time being, however, it looks like the team might stand pat.

Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.

Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.