The Cleveland Cavaliers should pursue three players at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, according to an analyst.
The 2026 NBA trade deadline is coming up and the Cleveland Cavaliers may need to tweak their roster to make a push since they are only 23-19 on the season.
With that said, NBA analyst Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the Cavaliers should target Jaylen Wells of the Memphis Grizzlies, Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans and Kenrich Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"Ja Morant's likely exit doesn't have to mean the Memphis Grizzlies burn it all down. Even if they do, Jaylen Wells is young (and cheap) enough for them to keep him. He's also not future-star material, so it'd be a reach to say he's untouchable," Favale wrote. "If the Cavs put a first, a swap and Jaylon Tyson on the table, who knows what could happen?
"Herb Jones would be a dream addition for a team that was playing Evan Mobley at center more than ever before Jarrett Allen missed time with a finger issue. Spacing could be tight inside lineups featuring all three, but the defense would be divine. Mobley's spot-up range and Jones' understated live-dribble decision-making can offset most offensive wrinkles.
"Kenrich Williams' defensive malleability would serve Cleveland well in minutes with Mobley at the 5. He can even play center himself. If his threes are falling, the Cavs could consider using him alongside both Mobley and Allen, too."
Wells is making $1.9 million this season. He's averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game for the Grizzlies while shooting 40.6% from the field, 32.5% from beyond the arc and 77.7% from the free-throw line.
Jones is making $13.9 million this season. He's averaging 9.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the Pelicans while shooting 39.4% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 81.3% from the free-throw line.
Finally, Williams is making $7.2 million this season. He's averaging 5.5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for the Thunder while shooting 52.9% from the field, 41.9% from beyond the arc and 46.2% from the free-throw line.
The Cavaliers have the most expensive roster in the NBA and are the only team inside the second apron. After having the top record in the East last season, Cleveland is only in seventh place in the conference right now.
It will be fascinating to see if Koby Altman makes any trades at the trade deadline.