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The Cleveland Cavaliers will soon have to make their first major decision this offseason during the 2024 NBA Draft. While the Cavs won't be on the clock until the No. 20 pick, sources have shared with ClutchPoints that Cleveland is exploring looking to trade up toward a higher pick.
Now, that doesn't mean Cleveland has its sights on acquiring Alexandre Sarr or Zaccharie Risacher, the presumptive top two picks in this year's draft class. The Cavs don't have the assets to move that high, nor do they want to take on a developmental project that's expected to play immediately.
Instead, depending on how the top ten selections shake out in the 2024 NBA Draft, Cleveland could slide into the early teens to try and grab a perimeter player who can contribute immediately as a reserve, all while still having some upside to his game.
Sure, moving up nearly ten picks will likely cost the Cavs a combination of the No. 20 pick and a player like Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, or a combination of their roleplayers. It all depends on what the opposing front office wants in a deal. But, if Cleveland has their heart set on grabbing one of the higher profile wings from this year's draft class, then they may have to bite that bullet – especially when three forwards could slot in perfectly with the Cavs next season are in that range.
Who could Cleveland trade up to take in the 2024 NBA Draft?
If the Cavs move up in the 2024 NBA Draft, the age of the prospect on their big board will have to be considered. Tennessee has an NBA-ready senior forward in sharpshooter Dalton Knecht, while Colorado has senior forward Tristan da Silva and freshman swingman Cody Williams. Depending on where Cleveland possibly moves up in the 2024 NBA Draft, all three could be available, and all three fit a specific need that currently exists when evaluating the Cavs' current roster.
Of the three, da Silva is a bona fide, multi-level scoring weapon who fits the mold perfectly as a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect. Depending on the team's needs, he's likely to excel as either a starter or a key bench player right away in the NBA. Ideally, he should be paired with a strong, versatile forward or a defensive anchor to compensate for his athletic strength and length limitations. But da Silva has a unique skill set and robust three-point shooting accuracy that should keep him in the conversation if Cleveland trades up in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Meanwhile, unlike many players who may come off the board before him, Knecht is the type of prospect who could contribute to a playoff-caliber team immediately due to his clear-cut ability as a three-point shooter. He's a dynamic, knockdown 3-point shooter from deep ranges that can sprint into the wing or readjust in midair to fire accurately from screens. Knecht is also an active and aware cutter, always looking for off-ball scoring opportunities.
Got a chance to watch Dalton Knecht working out in Chicago. Impressive to see his physical tools, shot-making prowess and overall scoring instincts up close. pic.twitter.com/Ju1ejmqCfe
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 21, 2024
While all of Knecht's strengths give him a bit more to offer outside of his perimeter scoring, he can be a liability on defense, which might be something that doesn't thrill Cleveland. That's where Williams, who has showcased an impressive defensive toolkit in his freshman season, stands out. Williams is still raw offensively, but he still fits the coveted prototype of a lengthy, athletic wing who can handle playmaking responsibilities and utilize his size and frame to attack the basket regularly.
William's game already resembles a mixture of Aaron Gordon, Pascal Siakim, Jaden McDaniels, Jerami Grant, or even Jalen Rose, which speaks volumes of where he already is as a prospect and what he could become as he continues to develop. If Williams hit his apex, he would complement Evan Mobley beautifully and lock in the Cavs' starting frontcourt for the foreseeable future. But, more importantly, Williams could contribute immediately off the bench, giving Cleveland an edge they've lacked on the perimeter from their wings.
In the end, it's really up to the Cavs on who they would want to take if they moved up from pick No. 20 in the 2024 NBA Draft. No matter who or where they pick, the player should expect to be an immediate contributor on the court for Cleveland next season.
