Warriors-Cavaliers trade pitch sends $269 million All-Star to Golden State originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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If the Golden State Warriors place a clear emphasis on strengthening their frontcourt this offseason, there are two routes they could consider.
The Dubs could either trade for a traditional back-to-the-basket big man who does his damage in the low post or a big man who could play on the perimeter in addition to being effective in the paint.
In Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe’s opinion, Golden State could choose option No. 2 by acquiring a Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star center.
“Evan Mobley trade would give the Warriors their dream big man,” O’Keefe wrote Friday.
“Mobley has been a franchise cornerstone for the Cavaliers ever since he was drafted third overall at the 2021 NBA Draft, but things could change, and he could be a casualty if the Cavaliers fail to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.”
“Given their stature as a team that wants to contend, it’s apparent that the Cavaliers would only give up Mobley for a legitimate upgrade.”
“The Warriors aren’t in a position to offer such a trade, but if there’s even a whisper that Mobley’s available, they should be trying to push themselves into the picture as a third team to land the young big man.”
With the way things are going for Mobley in the postseason, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the former lottery pick land on the trade block this summer. Mobley has played a passive brand of basketball to start the Cavaliers’ second-round playoff series vs. the Detroit Pistons, which has been detrimental for a Cleveland squad that desperately needs him to raise his offensive play.
When more assertive, Mobley is a highly productive center who’s a fluid roller in ball screen situations, a respectable ball handler who can maneuver past his initial defenders, a decisive low-post scorer, and a high-level rim protector.
Mobley averaged 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game with the Cavaliers during the regular season, shooting 54.6% from the field and 29.7% from long range.
Losing Kristaps Porzingis in free agency (like Kevon Looney last year) would almost certainly motivate the Warriors to inquire about Mobley this summer.
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