Koby Altman, Cleveland Cavaliers
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Koby Altman, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers hold the 49th and 58th picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Koby Altman will undoubtedly be looking for high-floor talent, capable of making an impact at the back end of the Cavaliers rotation.
Of course, finding ready-made contributors so late in the second round is never easy. As such, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst expects the Cavaliers to make some minor moves heading into draft night.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if the Cavs moved around in the second round,” Windhorst said during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland. “Either try to package those picks (Nos. 49 and 58) to move up, traded out altogether if there’s not a player they like, put those two picks together with somebody on their roster to get off of salary or do something else…I would be surprised if the drafted 49 and 58 and say that’s exactly how it was planned…I expect something to happen with those picks.”
As a contending team, the Cavaliers’ front office will be focused on making moves that help build toward a championship. Drafting developmental projects isn’t currently on Cleveland’s roadmap. Therefore, if the opportunity to trade up or out of the draft presents itself, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Altman takes it.
Cavaliers Have a Ty Jerome Headache
Outside of the draft, the Cavaliers must decide how to proceed with Ty Jerome. The veteran guard is heading into unrestricted free agency. He’s earned a pay rise that could price him out of returning to the Cavaliers rotation. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Jerome could land with the Sacramento Kings in the coming months.
“The Cavaliers need to make several difficult decisions this summer. Jerome was an integral part of the team’s regular-season success. Unfortunately, the group underperformed in the postseason,” Pincus explained. “Cleveland has one of the heaviest payrolls in the league. That’s before considering Jerome, who will seek as much of a raise as he can muster.”
Jeromed finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year voting this season, behind Malik Beasley and Payton Pritchard. If he does leave Cleveland this summer, the front office will have a tough task in trying to replace him.
That’s Where Lonzo Ball Could Come Into Play
Ethan Sands of the “Wine and Gold Talk” podcast believes the front office should look at acquiring Lonzo Ball via trade.
“I don’t think you understand how good this offense would flow with Lonzo Ball as an offensive facilitator and as a defensive stopper,” Sands said. “He is the ideal backup point guard for this role..You get the passing of Tyrese Haliburton, and you get the defense of Alex Caruso. Not to mention his penetration is so good. Getting a foot in the painted area and then kicking out and his speed up and down the court. He’s one of my favorite players to just watch.”
Ball signed a two-year $20 million extension with the Chicago Bulls last season. The second year of that deal is a team option. Therefore, if things don’t work out, the Cavaliers can cut bait next summer. Still, trading for Ball would be a risk. His recent injury history is a significant concern. Nevertheless, if he can stay healthy, Ball would be a major addition to the Cavaliers’ second unit.
Altman may be forced to weigh the risk vs. reward in a potential Ball trade. Otherwise, he may need to get creative in finding a replacement for Jerome. Perhaps that’s where a draft day trade could come into play. Only time will tell.