Kofi Inkoom
With all the buzz surrounding Donovan Mitchell and other stars on the Cavs, it’s expected that the team will undergo some major changes this offseason.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report suggests that the Cavs should pursue a trade for Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards.
Describing the uncertainty surrounding the Cavs’ future, Hughes wrote:
“It’s difficult to predict how the Cleveland Cavaliers will look following the upcoming roster overhaul. Following discussions post-elimination, which brought to light issues such as the team’s lack of trust in coach JB Bickerstaff and the potential trading of nearly everyone except Evan Mobley, the Cavs’ needs could vary greatly.”
Hughes believes that Avdija would fit well in any potential iteration of the Cavs’ roster due to his versatility.
“Deni Avdija fits into any hypothetical scenario the Cavs might adopt after restructuring. A gritty 23-year-old forward who has excelled defensively since entering the league in 2020-21, Avdija saw a significant improvement in his three-point shooting, enhanced his ability to draw fouls, showed progress as a playmaker, and posted a career-best 14.7 points per game in his recently concluded fourth season.” He added
Avdija played 75 games for the Wizards this season, averaging 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 50.6% from the field, 37.4% from three-point range, and 74.0% from the free-throw line. The Wizards selected Avdija with the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and he holds career averages of 9.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Hughes noted that Avdija’s skill set would complement the Cavs’ roster.
“Avdija would provide additional playmaking and versatile defensive prowess, regardless of whether Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland remains with the team,” Hughes explained. “His improved shooting also makes him a viable stretch 4 alongside Evan Mobley if Jarrett Allen is elsewhere.”
Hughes further admitted it won’t be simple to get Avdija from the Wizards due to their focus on their young players, but he proposed offering Jarrett Allen and a future first-round pick to grab their attention.
“The Washington Wizards are still in the early stages of their rebuild and signed Avdija to a bargain four-year, $55 million extension in October. They won’t be eager to part ways with him. However, if Cleveland is willing to offer Jarrett Allen and consider including their 2024 first-round draft pick, it might be enough to catch Washington’s attention.”